Yes, I’m using my blog as a shameless plug to promote my new class, a 6 a.m. power hour hot yoga class that’s part of a new, Monday-Wednesday-Friday series at Body Balance.
Chances are, you’re cringing right now at the thought of getting up that early and moving your body. I haven’t met many early birds my age, and I’m betting you’re not one of them.
But you know you wish you were. How many times have you told yourself, “I’m going to get up early and exercise. I’m going to start the day off right”?
But there’s that little voice in your head who, when your alarm goes off before the sun, screams at you to stay in your warm, comfortable bed under the covers, and begs for five more minutes, which turns into 30, or an hour, and when you finally get up, you’re feeling guilty. Sound familiar?
I know the excuses, and I know how to thwart them and get you to my hot yoga class.
Yoga WILL wake you up. It’s not about being too tired; it’s about not having enough motivation. But when you think about how much GOOD practicing yoga does for you – from aiding in digestion to creating stronger muscles to decreasing stress and tension, to yes, even being more alert – you’ll want to hop out of bed before the alarm (here’s hoping!). Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial, and I guarantee, if you make a habit of going to bed early and getting up early, it won’t be so bad after a few weeks, and it will become your new routine.
2. I don’t have enough time
If I had a dollar for every time I heard that…seriously though, you have all the time in the world. Instead of spending the first 15 minutes of being awake scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, checking your email, planning your day, those 15 minutes could be spent doing your body, mind and spirit some good through asana. You don't have time. you make time.
3. I have to run home and shower
False. Body Balance has beautiful, clean private showers in the locker rooms, and it’s even equipped with a hair dryer. And, trust me, you’ll automatically feel more beautiful (or handsome!) after an energizing morning yoga sequence. All you have to do is show up.
4. I’m not flexible in the morning
Yoga isn’t about flexibility. It’s not about whether you can reach your toes in a forward fold at 6 a.m. It’s about showing up, releasing all the negative energy, the control, the stress and connecting your breath with any kind of movement. We’re not expecting you to twist into a pretzel first thing in the morning. We’re asking you to share your energy with us, even if that energy is a little sleepy.
5. It’s not the right time for me
Will there ever be a right time? Those New Year resolutions fell through. You can’t use the excuse “I’ll start after holidays” anymore. Your yoga mat, and the studio, aren’t going anywhere. If you REALLY think about it, what is stopping you? What is really preventing you from rolling out your mat and giving yourself the gift of yoga? Nothing. There's never going to be a "right" time. Time isn’t your enemy. Work with it.
Have I persuaded you yet? Awesome. Now here’s what you need to do.
If you’re one to hit the snooze button, set your alarms early. Figure out how far you live from Body Balance, estimate that driving time and however long it takes you to get ready, and factor that in when you set your alarms. If you’re having a really hard time getting out of bed, put your alarm across the room so you physically have to get out of bed.
2. Sleep in your yoga clothes.
Seriously. It’ll save you time in the morning when you don’t have to change out of those p.js and select an outfit.
3. Lay everything you need for the day out the night before
Preparedness is key. If you’re going to work or another full day engagement after class, pack your gym bag with your clothes, toiletries, towel, makeup, etc. Pack your lunch and whatever snacks you want the night before. You can even throw everything – your mat, your gear, etc. – in the car so it’s ready to go. Preparing everything ahead of time leaves you less stressed and able to focus on you.
4. Get something healthy in your stomach
You don’t want to be hitting the continental breakfast before a yoga class, but you don’t necessarily want to exercise on a completely empty stomach, so find what works for you. For me, I usually have a piece of fruit like a banana, some toast with almond butter or a hard-boiled egg, along with some lemon water or a hot cup of green tea.
5. Go to bed early
This one’s a no brainer. If you go to bed at 1 a.m., chances are you’re not going to feel so hot waking up for 6 a.m. yoga. Make it a habit to go to bed at or before 10 p.m. Read a book or practice mindfulness until you fall asleep.
6. Watch motivational videos
Seriously, this works. When I’m lacking motivation and need some convincing, I search for Nike commercials, comb Youtube for insane track and field races, google beautiful yoga sequences and motivational quotes.
I promise you, it is worth it. All you need to do is show up. Show up, and reap the benefits.
See you there :)