Wake up and get moving!

I've been told numerous times, by very wise and knowledgeable people, that there are two things I should do first thing in the morning, before anything else: Bible study and Exercise. 
(my dad would probably add "brush your teeth", but I think that's a given)  

I argued against this logic for years because I am not a morning person. I value my sleep and try to get as much of it as possible. It is not just that sleep is good for you (research shows benefits for your brain, your heart, and even your waistline, see this article from the NIH), but I ENJOY sleeping. I really love it. Sleep is not a waste of time or something to feel guilty about. 

However, the wise people in my life were right, if I don't prioritize certain activites, the day will get away from me and I won't find time for them. It is all too easy to downgrade important things like sleep, exercise, and time with God into luxuries instead of priorities. I don't think it has to be that way. For me, it just means I have to get to bed at a decent hour to get all of the glorious sleep I need!  

I would like to share my morning routine with you, but before I do I think it's important to stop here and watch a funny animal video. Watching cute and funny animals should always be a priority and this one will help get you in the Christmas spirit, so enjoy!
 
 

 

Don't you feel better? Now, here is my morning routine:
I wake up and read whatever Bible passage I'm currently reading and then have time in prayer. For a long time, I actually wrote down a prayer and read it every morning because I had trouble knowing what to say and was getting distracted. Every now and then I'll still go back to that written prayer, but I've found the more I pray, the easier it gets. Just like getting to know a friend better and better, the conversation gets easier. 

Next, I get out of bed and do hip circles, squats, and a plank. Sometimes the hip circles happen while I'm brushing my teeth. What are hip circles? Click here. If I'm going to get in a run or walk for the day it has to happen NOW, in the morning. Ideally, I would walk everyday for 30 minutes, but reality is that I'm more likely to do it every other day. This is a great time to pray as well and perhaps just listen to what God has to say. I do my best listening when I'm outside. Somewhere like this:  
 

Family Life Center Hiking Trails

If I have more time in the morning I will do a workout video from youtube, but usually this doesn't happen until I get home from work in the evening. These videos can be as short as 4-6 minutes if I'm really crunched for time, but usually are around 10-15 minutes. 

All of the above links go to FemFusion Fitness videos. Dr. Brianne Grogan is a physical therapist whose motto is, "Eat Clean, Move Everyday." She has fantastic workout videos for all levels, plus advice on clean eating and other topics related to women's health. She has videos I've been able to do even when I feel pretty bad and I still feel like I'm getting a good workout. She is a huge proponent of integrating movement into your day with things like taking the stairs, parking further away, and adding exercise into something you already do, such as her bathroom fitness routine.  For a good place to start, check out her cardio-abs for beginners video:
 

 
That's my routine. Make it a priority and it will happen! How do you fit exercise into your day?