She Strengthens

Kickstart Your Day with a Morning Workout

Getting your day started on the right foot can make all the difference. A morning workout can boost your energy levels, improve your mental clarity, and even help you burn fat more efficiently. But, let’s be real, it can be tough to get motivated in the morning.

Why Morning Workouts Matter

Research suggests that exercising in the morning, before breakfast, can help your body burn up to 20% more fat. Additionally, a morning workout can improve your brain function, including decision-making skills and memory. So, what’s holding you back?

Overcoming the Morning Struggle

It’s no secret that getting out of bed early can be a challenge. Your body is still in sleep mode, and it can be hard to get moving. But, with a gentle and effective morning workout routine, you can ease into your day and set yourself up for success.

A Morning Workout Routine to Get You Started

Personal trainer Tamara Pridgett has created a morning workout routine that will get you moving, stretching, and energized. Complete 3 rounds of the following circuit, focusing on gentle movements that yield big results.

Hollow Body Hold

Lie faceup with arms by your sides and legs extended straight. Engage your abs, lift your shoulder blades and legs off the floor, and keep your lower back pressed into the mat.

Single-Leg Glute Bridge

Lie faceup with knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Extend one leg straight out, then press into the other heel to lift your hips straight up off the mat.

Reverse Oblique Crunch

Sit on the mat with legs extended in front of you and hands behind you. Lean back slightly onto your fingertips for balance and lift your legs 2 inches off the floor. Twist at the waist to bring your bent knees toward your chest.

Plank with Knee Tap

Start in high plank position and engage your core. Draw one knee to your chest and lift the opposite hand to tap your knee, then repeat on the other side.

Double Leg Lift

Lie faceup on the mat with legs extended up toward the ceiling. Bring your arms down by your sides and press your low back into the mat. Slowly lower your legs as close as possible to the mat, then lift them back to the starting position.

Squat

Stand with feet just wider than hip width and keep your hips stacked over your knees. Hinge at the hips, then send your hips back and bend your knees to lower your body into a perfect squat.

Lateral Lunge with Knee Drive

Start with feet together and take a big step to one side with one foot. Send your hips back and bend your knee as you bring your palms together in front of your chest. Press into your foot to reverse momentum and shift your weight onto the other leg.

Inchworm Push-up

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hinge at the hips to bend over and touch the floor with your hands. Walk your hands out to high plank position, then bend your elbows and lower your chest to the floor. Push back up and walk your hands back toward your feet.

The Morning Workout Advantage

While it may be tempting to hit the snooze button, the benefits of a morning workout far outweigh the extra sleep. By incorporating this routine into your daily schedule, you’ll be boosting your energy levels, improving your mental clarity, and setting yourself up for a successful day. So, what are you waiting for? Rise and shine!