Waking up in the morning with energy is not always easy, especially if you have a busy schedule.
However, making time for a morning workout can help set a positive tone for the rest of your day and provide sustainable energy to power you through your tasks and errands. Here are some simple exercises you can do in the morning to get your blood flowing and energy levels up.
1. Jumping Jacks
Start your day with some jumping jacks. This exercise is great for warm-up, and it can help increase your heart rate, accelerate your blood circulation, and loosen up your muscles. Simply stand upright with your feet together and your arms at your sides.
Jump up, spread your legs out to your sides, and raise your arms above your head in one fluid motion. Then, jump back to the initial position and repeat for several repetitions.
2. Squats
Squats are a simple-to-do yet impactful exercise that strengthens your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. To do a proper bodyweight squat, stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outwards.
Place your hands on your hips, push your hips back, and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Straighten your legs and stand back up to complete one repetition.
3. Push-ups
Push-ups are an essential upper body workout that can help strengthen your pectorals, deltoids, and triceps. Begin by positioning yourself face down on the floor.
Place your palms facing downward, keep your arms shoulder-width apart, and put your toes together. Push your body up, so your arms are extended and your body is in a straight line from head to toe. Lower yourself slowly until your chest is close to the ground before pushing back up again.
4. Lunges
Lunges are another simple but effective exercise that helps work your glutes, quads and hamstrings. To step out a lunge, stand upright and place your hands on your hips. Work on keeping your torso straight and your chin up.
Take a step forward with your right foot, lowering your body toward the ground until your right knee is at a 90-degree angle. Straighten your leg to stand up and repeat with the other leg.
5. Plank
A plank primarily works your core muscles and supports your lower back. Start on all fours with your palms under your shoulders. Step your feet back, so your legs are straight behind you and your weight is supported by your toes.
Make sure your body forms a straight line from your head down to your heels. Brace your core and hold this position for 20 seconds up to 1 minute depending on your core strength.
6. Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers are excellent for providing a full-body workout. They work your core, arms, back, and legs. Begin in a high plank position, with your palms under your shoulders and legs straight behind you.
Quick start to bring your right knee towards your chest then alternate, jumping left knee towards your chest while you simultaneously switch the right leg back into a plank position. Alternate knees as fast as possible for 30 seconds.
7. Squat Jumps
Squat jumps are a great exercise that helps increase your heart rate, improve your body coordination and burn excess fat. Begin in a squat position, with your arms at your sides and your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep the chest up and upper body still while jumping in the air and extending your arms above your head. Land back in the squat position and keep going for 10-15 repetitions.
8. Burpees
The burpee is a full-body workout that can help kickstart your metabolism and burn calories in a short period. Begin in a standing position, then squat down and place your hands on the floor.
Quickly thrust your legs straight behind you, into a high plank position. Then jump your feet back to your hands and jump your body up, reaching skyward. Land and repeat the sequence for 10-15 repetitions.
9. Leg Raises
Leg raises are an effective exercise that works the lower back and abs while reducing stress on the spine. Begin by lying down on your back with your palms under your hips to support your pelvis.
Slowly raise your legs off the floor, keeping them together, and raise them as high as you can. Then control your legs back down to the ground, keeping your lower back flat on the floor.
10. Side Plank
Mainly worked on your obliques, side planks help tone and strengthen your core. Begin in a high plank position, then shift your body to one side and support yourself on one forearm while extending the other arm directly above you.
Stack your feet on top of each other and keep your body straight. Hold it for 20-40 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.
Conclusion
Incorporating a morning workout into your daily routine can have a huge impact on the rest of your day.
By engaging in these simple exercises, you can improve your physical fitness, maintain a healthy weight, and boost your energy to take on whatever tasks your day brings.