You’re cozy in bed, deep asleep, and your morning alarm goes off. You’ve got a Pilates class to get to, but you can’t get out of bed! If this sounds familiar, don’t worry, I've got you!
I'm Zoe, a clinical Pilates instructor and living in a state that is 90% summer means that I need to give my body some extra love in winter. To set myself up for success to get out of bed on these chilly mornings I prepare everything the night before, so my only decision in the morning is not to snooze my alarm.
Here are my top 8 winter morning tips:
Lay out your activewear so it’s ready to go
Choosing your workout outfit the night before takes the mind off your tired morning brain! I lay my clothes out in the order I need to put things on so I don't even need to open my eyes.
Prepare your session and movement space
If you’re planning to follow along to one of PPF’s online studio workouts, you’ll need to decide which workout you’re going to follow the night before. You’ll also need a dedicated movement space appropriate for the workout. Roll out your Mat and grab any props you might need the night before, so it’s all set up ready for you in the morning. If I've made an effort to set up a beautiful workout space, I'll make more of an effort to use it.
Prepare breakfast (if possible)
If you like to fuel your body before your Pilates class and have the capacity to meal prep the night before, it will save you so much time and mental energy. Even if it’s just prepping the ingredients to make for the morning. This also allows you more time in the morning to sit down and enjoy your meal. I find that eating mindfully is one of the best ways to help your nervous system and digestion system do their jobs to set you up for a great day.
Set the alarm for 5 mins before you need to get up
This tip seems simple but it was a game changer for me. If you’re someone who likes to spend a little bit of time in bed in the mornings, setting your alarm a tad earlier gives you that time to adjust to the new day and appreciate those extra few minutes in bed with no guilt. I started using this time to check in with my body with some gentle stretches so I felt calm and relaxed getting out of bed, rather than rushed.
Gentle movement
Following on from the last tip, your body has been horizontal for (hopefully) 7+ hours and needs some gentle movement to prepare itself for the day. Spending a couple of minutes doing some light stretches in bed or mobility movements as you go about your morning routine is a brilliant way to connect with your body, help wake up the lymphatic system (can help boost energy and immunity) and improve overall circulation.
Avoid screen time as soon as you wake up
This is one of those, “easier to say than do” kind of tips, but it's something I am really working on. Starting your day with that quick digital gratification raises your dopamine baseline, making it harder to maintain motivation and focus on your actual tasks later in the day. On the days I manage to avoid morning screentime, I really notice I am less responsive to external stimuli and usually find myself getting more creative or productive.
Hydrate asap
Our bodies are naturally dehydrated after sleeping so consuming a glass of water (with some electrolytes if you know you’ll be sweating in your Pilates class) is a great way to begin hydration early in your day.
Look into the sun
Well, not directly into the sun, but exposure to sunlight within the first 30-60 minutes of waking helps reset your circadian rhythm (internal clock), which promotes better sleep at night, boosts your mood and increases alertness during the day.
Music to set the tone
Lastly, picking music that will energise you is a fantastic way to get you in the mood to move. If you’re attending a yoga or stretch class, the music should be slower and more soothing. If you’re attending a strength or cardio-based class, the music should be upbeat and energetic. If you’re doing a PPF online workout, you can pick whatever music you like during the whole session! Matching the music to the vibe of the class will send the right signals to your brain, so it’s prepared and ready to go.
Make it work for you
While these 8 tips really work for me, it doesn’t mean you need to incorporate every single one. Everyone’s timetable and lifestyles are individual, and no one’s schedule or body is the same. Solid morning routines are built on trial and error and what makes you feel your best. If you haven’t had the best morning but still make it to your Pilates class, we will be there to greet you with a smile and a thoughtful movement class. We got you!
