If you’re looking for simple but effective exercise routines you can do right after rolling out of bed—no equipment or gym commute needed—then you’ll love MonikaFit’s beginner-friendly morning workouts. These short and sweet sessions are all about getting your body moving and boosting your mood.
They’re about ten minutes long and can easily be done in your PJs and bare feet. The instructor recently shared this cozy morning routine, which will gently wake up your muscles and joints. All you’ll need to do it is some floor space.
How to do MonikaFit's morning workout
There are 10 moves in the routine. The instructor (Monika Larssen) advises you to perform each one for 50 seconds, then take a 10-second rest. However, she also adds that everyone should work at their own pace, so find what feels good for you.
Should you work out in the morning?
"If morning workouts suit you and your schedule, then they can be a really positive addition to your week," says UK-based trainer Will Clifford. "It’s a big accomplishment to start your day with a workout. And every time you plan to do something challenging—like a workout—and you follow through with it, you’ll be building your confidence as well as your fitness."
One study, published in the British Medical Journal, also suggested that morning workouts help with cognitive function, improving people’s ability to concentrate, learn and make decisions. Another study in Vascular Health and Risk Management suggested that early workouts improve sleep quality.
Doing some mobility and flexibility work first thing can feel particularly satisfying as it lengthens muscles that might need stretching if you’ve slept in a cramped position.
However, not everyone loves exercising in the morning. Sometimes, despite our best intentions and plans to get moving, it can be hard to stop hitting the snooze button. Don’t panic if this is you; the best time to work out is really whenever works for you. The most important thing is to find an activity you like and stick with it.
Want more routines like this one? Have a go at these beginner yoga stretches or try these quick exercise snacking ideas.
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I'm a certified run coach and it only takes five minutes and these three movements to warm up for a runRunning I use them before every run
