As a freelancer and working in TV production, there are days, sometimes weeks, when I don’t have work, and planning my days and training sessions are pretty easy to do. Other times, I can be pulling anywhere from 12-hour to 16 hour work days leaving little room for workouts or personal time. I had to figure out how to make it all work without burning myself out or giving up on my training goals.
Trying to squeeze in workouts after a long day of work wasn’t going to happen for me. By the time I’d get home, I’d be completely drained and ready for bed. So, I decided to shift my mindset and try waking up early and get it done first thing in the morning. That’s how I became a member of the 5 a.m. club.
Waking up at 5 a.m. wasn’t easy and honestly, it still isn’t. But it’s the only way I could stay consistent with my training. I set my work clothes and workout clothes out the night before and try to be in bed by 10:30 p.m. if I can help it. After my Garmin watch alarm goes off at 5 a.m. the next morning, I grab my current book from my nightstand and read for 30 minutes, then, it’s time to get moving.
My mornings usually start with a quick cardio warmup. It’s nothing fancy, just enough to wake my body up. After that, I dive into the day’s workout, whether it’s a full body kettlebell workout, a run, bike ride, or skate session. Once that’s done, I’m back home to shower, get dressed, eat breakfast and head to work.
What I love most about early morning workouts is the feeling of accomplishment. By 7 a.m., I’ve already crushed a goal, and the day hasn’t even fully started yet plus it sets the tone for everything else.
The Challenges of Being an Early Riser
Let’s be real, waking up early doesn’t really become easy. There were and still are plenty of mornings when I want to stay in bed and skip the workout. But I remind myself why I started this journey, which was to make time for my goals and to prove to myself that I could do it.
Starting small helped. I focused on short, manageable sessions that built momentum over time. And every day I got up and showed up, I felt a little more confident and capable.
Balancing work, training, and everything else has taught me a lot. Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned:
- Discipline Over Motivation: Motivation comes and goes, but discipline keeps you showing up, even on the tough days and I’ve had a few of those.
- Start Simple: You don’t need a perfect routine to begin. Just getting out of bed and moving is a win.
- Prioritize Yourself: It’s easy to put work or other commitments first, but making time for yourself should be non-negotiable if you want to stay consistent.
- Plan Ahead: Treat your workouts like any other appointment. Write them into your calendar and prepare the night before (like laying out your workout clothes).
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every workout, no matter how short or simple, is progress. I pat myself on the back after every workout.
- Take Rest Days: Rest is super important, so having a rest day or days is vital to your training. You don’t want to burn out or injure yourself.
Balancing everything isn’t always easy, but it’s possible when you find what works for you. For me, that’s waking up early, setting a routine, and staying committed to my goals. Every morning I show up, I’m reminded of what’s possible when you make yourself a priority.
Are you part of the 5 a.m. club? How do you balance your fitness goals with a busy schedule? Let me know, I’d love to hear your strategies!