4 Easy tips to jump-start your early-morning fitness routine

Published on 21st December, 2023 at 02:31 pm

Exercising first thing in the morning can help improve focus, enhance mood and lower blood pressure. Here’s how three fitfluencers get going when they get up.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How to harness your mind to work your body.
• What to focus on when starting an exercise routine.
• How your Sanlam Reality Planet Fitness and JustGym benefits can help make your fitness routine a money-saver, too.

1. Get your head in the game

“If you conquer the mind, you’ve already won,” says actor and fitfluencer Lerato Mvelase.

Planet Fitness ambassador Andrew Masilo adds to not to let your confidence dwindle by comparing yourself to other people in the gym. “Getting over gym intimidation is the first step on your fitness journey,” he says. “No matter how fit or strong the people at the gym look, remember that everyone started somewhere – and probably in a similar place to where you are now.”

As a Sanlam Reality Core, Plus or Health member, you can save big on gym fees at Planet Fitness and JustGym.

2. Find your beat – and your gear

“Wear appropriate shoes for the type of activity that you are doing, and support your joints when doing impact movements like jumping or running,” advises Dubai-based fitfluencer Lanel de Villiers.

Then, focus on your body.

“You don’t have to overcomplicate your workouts to make progress,” Masilo says. “Keep it simple and focus on getting strong on the big three powerlifts: squat, bench and deadlift.”

3. Find your motivation

“I would recommend [against] jumping all in when starting a new routine,” says de Villiers. “Instead, introduce smaller goals that you can increase over time. Don’t commit to 10 000 steps daily if you are currently doing none. Two thousand steps might be a better start to get you going.”

Masilo agrees, saying, “Walking has so many benefits. You don’t have to be extreme, as long as you set yourself a daily step goal that is manageable, but equally challenging for you. This will help get you into a daily routine of tracking your steps and walking more.”

Mvelase also suggests against focusing so much on your end goal – instead, “think about how exercise makes you feel: good energy, serotonin, glowing skin and an all-round youthful look. You’ll feel these benefits from day one.”

4. Stay motivated

“To start is easy – to continue is the challenge,” says de Villiers.

Sometimes your progress will plateau, even if you’re doing everything right – but this is not the time to throw in the towel. Remember: progress doesn’t just show on the scale; it is also visible in how you feel, your energy levels and your body measurements.

“I’m not always in the mood for a workout first thing in the morning, but I never regret it once done,” de Villiers shares. “Focus on how you feel physically and mentally when you’re living an active lifestyle, instead of looking at the scale.”

Masilo has another easy tip for staying motivated: “Set yourself a short-term goal, such as competing in a race or doing a photo shoot.”