How (and why) I got into the habit of waking up at 5:30am

Years ago, the thought of waking up at 5:30am every week day would have made me head straight back under my doona. However, about two years ago, as I settled into a working-from-home routine, I decided to try exercising first thing in the morning, rather than at lunchtime or in the evening. Over this period, I have discovered a number of things that have helped me get into the routine of waking up at 5:30am each week day, which I thought might be useful to anyone who may be wanting to set their alarm a bit earlier each day.

Discovering the benefits of yoga

To be completely honest, I used to think that yoga was a bit of a weak excuse for a workout. I couldn't really see why people would spend an hour or two at a time stretching and lying on the floor and feel as though they had completed a beneficial workout. However, a couple of years ago, I stumbled across Yoga with Adriene's YouTube channel and started doing some short at-home yoga workouts to get an idea of what yoga was like. After completing one of her 30-day yoga challenges, I started to understand the benefits of reducing stress, increasing flexibility and improving my mental health that come with yoga.

Trying out a new form of exercise - reformer pilates

For quite a while now, I have been intrigued by the idea of reformer pilates. After seeing it popping up on my Instagram explore page, and reading a few blog posts and articles discussing the benefits of it, I was curious as to whether you could really get much of a workout from lying on a spring-loaded machine, pulling a few straps and pushing yourself along the machine with your legs.

My approach to fitness over the years

Over the past few years, my approach to exercise and fitness has changed quite a bit. When I was in school, a lot of my exercise revolved around school sports, and I found that it was pretty easy to get my required amount of exercise from the various organised team sports that I played. However, it wasn't until I left school and got to uni that I realised how hard it can be to make exercising a habit. I joined a gym the year after I left school, and after trying a few different classes and personal workout programs, I soon discovered that group fitness classes were my favourite form of exercise.

A couple of hiking trips at Cradle Mountain

About a month ago, I had the morning off work, so I decided that I needed to make the most of our location in Tasmania, and drove the short 1.5 hour drive to Cradle Mountain. I set out at about 7am and was at Dove Lake just after 8:30am.

My favourite post-workout protein smoothie

As I've been trying to get to the gym more often in these past few months, I decided to check out some protein powders that I could use to help with muscle recovery after a workout. I've really been enjoying the Nature's Way protein powder in smoothies and shakes, and I now make this banana and blueberry protein smoothie a few times a week. My favourite flavour of the protein powder is the vanilla, due to its versatility, but the chocolate is a close second.

A fitness chat

For this week's post, I thought I'd write something a bit different and chat about my current fitness routine, as well as what sort of things I like to eat before and after a workout. When you love food as much as I do, there is definitely a need to balance it out with some fairly regular exercise.

Thoughts on moving to a new city

For those of you who don't know, at the start of this year, my husband and I made the move from Sydney to Launceston, Tasmania. It's been almost 3 months since the move, so I thought I'd share a few of my thoughts on moving to a new city.

One of my favourite healthy energy snacks

A few months ago I discovered Deliciously Ella's Almond and Chia Energy Bites, which have quickly become one of my favourite snacks. They are really easy to whiz up and the recipe makes enough to last a couple of weeks.

My favourite workouts

 

Over the past few years, my exercise and workout routine has changed quite a bit. I went through a phase where the main exercise I did was running, then I signed up for a gym membership and fell in love with cardio classes (but was too scared to venture into weights classes), however I've come to realise how important it is to vary up what types of exercise I'm doing to get the best benefits (and to keep myself from getting bored). Below, I've discussed my 5 favourite workout routines.

A great pre (or post) workout smoothie

It can sometimes be hard trying to find the right fuel to consume before or after a workout - you want to make sure that you are nourishing your body (and not undoing the hard work you have done or are about to do), and you don't want anything too heavy that is going to sit in your stomach like a rock if you are about to exercise half an hour later.

My passion for surfing

Ever since I first learned to surf, I have absolutely loved the sport.  So, I thought I would share with you my top reasons for why I crave jumping in the ocean with my board whenever I can.