The mere thought of a morning workout can be a tab bit intimidating for someone who hates morning, but we all need to let go of our beauty sleep at some point or the other. For some of us waking up in the morning is nothing short of a Herculean task, so we have devised a list of 15 perfect morning workout routines that will get you out of bed.
Scared? Don’t be because these are not at all time consuming and will give you that exact boost of energy that you need. So hurry up and read on…
1- Mountain to Forward Fold Morning Workout
This morning exercise was designed specifically for those of us who despise getting up in the morning; it is simple and quick, so you do not even have to change into your gym clothes for this exercise. Begin this exercise by standing straight, ensuring that your feet are firmly planted on the ground, and your arms are on your sides. Once you have achieved this position, you should resemble a soldier standing in ranks. Follow this with slowly bringing your arms above your head, and then hinging at the hips. Lastly, bend down and bring your palms to the floor.
2- The Lizard
Okay, we know that the name of this morning exercise might be a bit repulsive, but trust us when we say that this is one of the best exercises for the morning. Start the morning workout by placing your right foot forward, so you are now in a low lunge. Now proceed with positioning both of your hands on the floor and stretching your left leg. This could put you out of breath initially, so be careful and remember to take deep breaths as you continue with the exercise. Hold this posture for five minutes then switch sides and repeat all the steps with the left foot.
3- Straddle Forward Fold Morning Workout
This morning workout also requires you to stand upright at the start and then spread your feet as far as possible. Follow this with going into a low lunge and placing your palms flat on the floor. This is almost like the downward dog exercise. Once your hands are on the ground, clasp them and lift them above your head. Do these for five minutes while making sure you take deep breaths and then lunge again.
4- The Cat/Camel Stretch
Stretching is a good way to say goodbye to your morning blues. This morning workout is easy and fast. First, get down on your hands and knees. Second, twist and turn your back to resemble the movement patterns of a camel, and then arch your back to look like a cat. Repeat these steps four to five times for fifteen minutes in the morning to get the best results.
5- Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks were all the rave back in kindergarten, but who says you can’t enjoy its benefits now? We mean, if Michelle Obama can do it, so can you. This morning workout is highly beneficial for toning your calf muscles and deltoids as well as improving your cardiovascular system. You start by standing, guaranteeing that your feet are together. Then you jump and spread your arms and legs as far apart as possible. When you are back on the ground, bring your feet closer together again and repeat the said movement. Do these for fifteen minutes or until you get tired. So c’mon people start jumping today.
6- Bicep Curl Morning Workout
We wouldn’t characterize this as a proper morning workout, but it still provides you with all the benefits of one. Plus, you can do sit this one out, and we mean quite literally because all you need for this is a pair of dumbbells and a place to sit. However, make sure that you sit a forward position, so your triceps can easily rest on your thighs. Then grip the dumbbell tightly and bring your arm towards your shoulder then back again to rest it on your thigh. Repeat this motion for twenty minutes each morning.
7- Planking
This is our favorite. Why do you ask? Well, mostly because you get to lie down in this. Begin by lying down on the floor and keeping your back parallel to it. Now raise your right arm and balance your entire body on it by rolling over to one side. Hold this position for five minutes and then do so again with your left arm. This is one of the best exercises for morning to not only strengthen your upper arms but also to get a burst of energy.
8- The Dinner Table Morning Workout
This is more of a yoga pose than a morning workout, but we still recommend you to try this out. Start by getting down on all fours and then raising your left arm and leg. Be sure to do so in such a manner that they are parallel to the floor and straight. Meanwhile, balance your body on your right leg and right arm, which are planted firmly on the ground.
9- Scissors Legs
You can perform this one without even getting out of bed. We don’t think morning exercises could get easier than that. Anyway, while lying on your back, you need to raise your legs straight in the air, keeping them at a 90-degree angle. Beginners can keep their legs slightly bent, however, for more immediate results it is advised to keep them straight. While keeping your core engaged, lower your right leg and then breathe out, while bringing it back to its initial position. Repeat this exercise on your left leg as well to complete one rep. Perform 1 set of 15 reps each morning.
10- Reverse crunches
While lying on your back, keep your arms aside, palms facing down and make sure that both your legs are aligned straight. Engage your core and make sure to breathe in a while raising your legs from its resting position. Keep on lifting your legs until your hips are in the air, while your legs are facing the ceiling. Maintain balance for as long as you can and then slowly lower your legs without touching the ground. Perform 1 set of 15 reps for best results. Not only will these awaken your sleepy soul, but also slim your thighs and belly without even having to drag yourself out of bed.
11- Hip Raises
While lying on your back, keep your knees bent and make sure that your arms are placed on the side, with each palm facing downwards. As you lift your hips, make sure to breathe in, so that your core is completely engaged. Once you’ve lifted your hips, your body is supposed to be forming a slanting line between your knees and shoulders. Stay in this position for 20-30 seconds and then return to your initial state. Perform 1 set of 20 reps.
12- Leg lifts
Now lie on your right side and make sure that your right knee is bent, and your foot is placed on you. While propping your head with your right hand, make sure that your left leg is point straight. Once again, engage your core and breathe in as you raise your left leg towards the ceiling and then bring it back to its original state. Perform 1 set of 20 reps on both sides. Do remember to take a break of 30 seconds before shifting to the other side.
13- Starfish crunches
Lay flat on your back and extend your arm and legs in such a position that you form an “X” on your bed or exercise mat. Simultaneously lift your right arm and left leg and reach across to touch your ankle. Make sure to inhale while raising your leg and arm and exhale while lowering them. Engaging your core well help shed inches off your waist without even making a lot of effort. Repeat the same exercise on your left arm and right leg to complete one rep. Perform 20 reps for effective and immediate results
14- Bicycle crunches
While lying on your back, place your hands behind your head and simultaneously bend your knees. Gently raise your right leg straight in the air in a slanting position and pull the left knee forward so that your right elbow can crunch towards the left knee. Repeat the same move on the left leg and continue pedaling until you’ve performed 20 reps in total.
15- Cobra to a child’s pose
It is time to shift your position and lie on your stomach, instead of your back. Your hands should be positioned right next to your chest, palm facing downwards. Your legs should be pointing straight and make sure to keep your core engaged. Gently exhale and press your hips into your bed or exercise mat. Slowly curl your chest away from your resting position, while keeping your hips stable. Stay in this position for 10 -20 seconds and then come down to a child’s pose. This whole exercise will stretch your spine and get rid of any back pain that you might have experienced while sleeping. This morning exercise is consider to be one of the most effective ones to refresh your mind and lighten your mood.
Some of you might be thinking why morning workouts are even that important. Well, there are numerous reasons why morning workouts are crucial. The most significant reason is that they boost your energy levels. Waking up in the morning can be difficult and going to work even more so; hence, it is imperative that you replenish your lost energy before you head out for the day and exercise is the best way. So we hope that you will try out some routines from our list and have a healthy start to the day. Happy exercising, y’all!