This is what it looks like in our back yard at 6 am. The sun isn’t quite up yet, but it’s on its way. How do I know this? Because I’ve finally decided that there is hardly ever going to be a time when I feel like exercising after I get home from work at night. I tried fooling myself into thinking that after work was the best time for me to do it (since I am so not a morning person), but it just meant that I’d come home, not exercise, and feel slightly guilty the rest of the evening.
So, I heard about the Fitbit and thought maybe that would help. If someone says I’m supposed to walk 10,000 steps a day and do 10 flights of stairs, then those are the numbers I try to hit. And since I started getting up early in the morning to walk for an hour, it has been working. I do like getting it out of the way before work. And I get to see pretty scenes like this (finally – the sun is up above the horizon.):
And this (I love seeing mountains first thing every morning.):
These things have helped me stick to this routine for a couple of months now:
1. Personally, I need to do it every single day of the week. I do take Saturdays and Sundays off, but I’m just about ready to throw at least Saturday into the mix, too. Mondays are a bugger when 6 am rolls around again.
2. I listen to audiobooks. It makes the hour of walking pass by really quickly.
3. I fool my brain. I tell myself that I’m going to walk for 30 minutes (in one direction, away from my house) and then I’ll just walk home. That equals an hour, but the last part of it is just “walking home”. 🙂
The downside? I am tired too early in the evening. It’s affecting my knitting, FPS. Somehow I need to learn to be a morning person AND a night person. Is that possible?? I need to finish my Camp Loopy Project Three this weekend. (I’m making a Derecho out of the Loopy Solid Series. So many fun colors to choose from.)
Today’s blog contest question: Are you a night person or a morning person? (And while we’re at it, do you have any tips about sticking to an exercise routine?) Leave a comment below and I’ll draw names for two more skeins of Wollmeise Lace next week.
We do have winners from last week’s blog contest! I’m sending a skein of Wollmeise Lace to Linda in IL and Amber in IN. Congratulations to you two!
Sheri 9162stepssofarfortoday.
Mustwalkbackandforthintheshopafewmoretimes….
Night person. Though I can get up early if necessary, it’s generally hard for me to get anywhere before 9:00.
(And I confess that I don’t exercise.)
I’m definitely a morning person, but haven’t been able to talk myself into getting up early enough to exercise in the morning. Or make myself exercise after work. I like to walk but no longer live in an area where it’s easy to walk. Need to solve this problem when we get back from vacation.
So totally a night person. And I need eight hours of sleep every night, or I”m fairly worthless all day. But since I work a normal 9 – 5 job, and I can’t stay up all night like I used to, that means an earlier bedtime than I would prefer.
As far as sticking to an exercise plan – no tips here – I’m terrible at it myself! The only thing that ever worked for me was signing up for races – I ran for a while and would sign up for a 5k every few months, and that kept me motivated. But then I hurt my knee so that fell by the wayside!
evening definately – exercise, what exercise
evening definately – exercise, what exercise, my fingers do get quite a bit though!
I’m a night person for the most part. I have a three year old so my nights are when I get to relax and have a moment of peace. Although most nights I end up drifting off sitting in front of my computer when I really should just go to bed.
I enjoy being a morning person and I was during college. But now I am enjoying the evenings more and more. It just depends on my sleeping schedule. I love both, for the quiet time they both offer… but with the mornings, I get to have coffee.
My boyfriend and I downloaded these apps called Zombies Run! for his Iphone and my Android where it is basically a gps tracking speed game/run keeper if you run, but it has a really interesting story line of a zombie attack that you listen to. So I think of it more of an ‘interactive’ audiobook. It is 8 dollars to download and we both love it. We enjoy walking (him-running) and listening to it, when the sun is setting, and it is cooler.
https://www.zombiesrungame.com/
Definitely a night person. But when I do have to be up in the morning, I always wish I were a morning person, as it is so peaceful and lovely on the farm when the sun comes up.
I am a night person INFACT I work permanent nights as a nurse.
Stick with the am walk you will eventualy have more energy at night.Exercise gives you a natural high when done on a regular basis.Infact you will start to crave it.
You will stay up longer and have more energy,not necssary for this weekend though sorry!
I am totally a night person. I’ve finally given up and decided to enjoy knitting in the morning. I know the rest of my day and the evenings are going to be for chores and keeping up with my family. And exercise…I can do that when I’m 90!
Night owl, reporting for duty!
Night person….but I’m forced to be a morning person..
Lately what’s been working is a bunch of us that travel leave work together, we all go owe own exercise way for an hour and then we get back together for dinner. And wine….
I used to be a morning person until i developed a chronic insomnia problem now i find my peak sleep time is 5 am to 8 am :/ and i have turned into a night person i do my best knitting at night for sure
as far as sticking to an exercise routine i always say keep trying things until you find something you like ( and always do any new exercise routine for at least 2 weeks before you decide whether you like it or not as it takes your body that long to get used to the change ) and always do it with a friend ( or 2 or 3) so you encourage each other along on those days when one of you is feeling like giving in .
I am more a night person and especially so after this summer. I, too, need an exercise plan so when you find one or get ideas from this blog let us know, maybe something can help me too.
I am not a morning person. Use to be a night person but not so much any more. I ve been thinking that I’ve become a “between 11am and 2 pm person” !! Some people think if they set out their work out clothes beside their bed the night before it helps them to exercise when they get up. Good luck!
YOu are doing a great job working out! Now you just need to add some weights into the mix and you will start dropping the pounds left and right! I’ve been doing ChaLEAN Extreme and it is SO MUCH FUN! My blog link goes to my fitness coaching page where you can check out some info on it if you want! I also drink a Shakeology shake every day and it is amazing how much better I feel, drinking an all natural shake full of superfoods and protein. Did I mention it tastes like a liquified brownie?! YUM!
I am a night person. Trying to convert to morning person. Working out is better in the morning, but I just love staying up late watching a movie and knitting or weaving!
I think I am more of a night person. I like how I feel the rest of the day after I walk. I’m fortunate to have my summers off, so I can stay up late and walk when I get awake. I know if i sit down befor i walk, i wouldn’t walk. I’m going to try and walk to work this fall.
So much a night person. I much prefer to stay up late, but I can sometimes manage to wake up normally. lol
I’m definitely a night person. I HATED having to be on my nursing unit at 7 am. That’s not even a civilized time for my first cuppa! However, retirement is wunderbar, and I set my own hours.
Sticking with exercises: for me, I walked on a treadmill every lunch hour (not outside in the pollen, thank you very much) and listened to mystery audio books. If I wanted to know “who done it” I had to walk.
I’m a night owl and proud! My little man seems to share this with me, as he tends to want to go to sleep later than most babies.
As for working out, well, I’m lucky that my husband shares my passion for jiu jitsu. If I feel crappy, he encourages me to come with him.
I never thought it could be true, but I’m a morning person, at least once I’m fully awake. Lol
I’m a night person … Part of what i love about the evening/night is that it becomes more land more my time with fewer pressures or things that have to be done next. Mornings start with the paw of doom and walks so I’m going and exercising (at the pace of a sniffy Labrador) from the time I get up and we walk multiple times during the day so that’s one piece of exercise … And I love my weekly Pilates classes … And riding my bike …I keep meaning to start yoga but haven’t quite made it there yet …
I am more of a morning person, but since I am at work at 6:30 it may not always seem like that. Unfortunately in order to work out before work I have to be at the gym at 5 am and that’s just too early for working out, so if I try to go to the gym before I get home. I have to make sure I am prepared to go straight to the gym, if I go home I will come up with every excuse why I can’t/shouldn’t go.
I’m a night person. Two exercise tips: Set a goal for yourself. And, if you have a partner or friend to walk along with you, it will be more fun and a lot easier to do.
I used to be a night person. I think there was starting to be some hope of being at least a competent morning person…and then I started midwifery school. Now I’m just tired. We keep odd hours and are frequently up all night; I’ve learned to nap whenever I can, and to feel relatively refreshed after 3-4 hours of sleep.
On exercising, I’ve got nothing–I’m looking forward to reading some of the tips above.
I am SO not a morning person…when I have a choice. I find that I enjoy that quiet time when every one else is asleep and the house is dark. This is my time to relax and reflect.I like your ideas about exercise,but it is hard to balance with late nights.
I am a night person who wishes she were a morning one.
Everyone in my original family, all of my relatives, are all morning people. Somehow, I missed that part of the gene pool. I wake up tired and hit my stride around 10 PM. I wish it were otherwise. On the other hand, going to bed at 8 or 9 PM is so depressing and so OLD, to me. I feel that only when in my 80s or so would that be appropriate. Ugh!
I wear a pedometer which really helps. I exercise in the morning before my shower.
And my one trick is that if I have exercised for the day, I get to use my favorite shampoo and conditioner! Otherwise, I have to use the grocery store stuff. Often that works for me!
I’m a night person but I like getting things done in the morning. I stick with an exercise regimen if I get to look at cute guys working out and/or when I’m meeting someone. Or if it’s a dance class. Other than that I’m good some weeks and horrible others. Sadly, the hot guys thing faded away when I graduated from college and moved to Louisiana.
I’m a night person but have learned that any exercising is best done in the morning – even for a retired person! It starts the day right. Once you’ve kept at your routine long enough you’ll feel guilty if you don’t do it and that helps you keep doing it.
I used to be a morning person. Now I am more of a mid-morning or afternoon person. I hate 6 in the morning but I don’t stay up past 11 either.
I am both a morning and night person, but I am also a high-functioning sleep-deprived person! My rec for exercising – do something you love, whether it’s walking, dancing, or kick-boxing, and create a routine and stick to it! That way there’s no dithering or psyching yourself out – just do your normal routine and you’ll be glad when it’s done.
I am a night person. If I let myself her into a rut, I can stay up until 4 am then sleep until 1 pm or later. My job now doesn’t really allow me to stay up that late anymore.
My fiancée and fitting into a wedding dress is my motivation to work out!
I am so a night person. But I’m trying hard to improve my “sleep hygiene” in view of the latest research about lack of sleep on body weight. I recently bought a Nike Fuel Band and aim for 3,000 points every day – generally means about 10,000 steps. I’ve found it a brilliant motivator to exercise.
I am a night person, but I am not a great sleeper, so therefore, I stay up in the morning and get more knitting done and then catch a couple of hours sleep and then I am good to go for the rest of the day and night. I have tried over and over to try and go to sleep like a normal person but that won’t help at all.
First, I hate exercise. Of any form. :). I am definitely a night person. I need to become a better morning/ day person. Daniel keeps me fairly active and walking Dora helps too!
I’m a night person – my husband calls me a “hooty owl.” I too am struggling with different ways to add more exercise to my day. Thanks for sharing your insights.
hi Sheri – here I am up at 4:30am reading blogs (sigh) I do struggle with fitting walking into my daily routine – I work long hours as a network admin and sometimes don’t get home till 7 or after – late dinners and no time for walking make Mel a fat girl LOL – oh well – I’m afraid I sure don’t have any advice for you – sounds like you are doing great getting up at 6 to walk – I just don’t think I can do that. I’m just returning from a business trip and a wrapping a tough week at work so I’m really afraid I am not going to finish CL3 in time – boohoo – I’m really sad about that since I did finish both others on time. Oh well – nothing I can do – I just did not have a lot of knitting time this past month. I’d love to be in the draw for the wollmeise lace – thanks Melody
Night owl but I work out in the morning. The secret in my house is my hubby and I go walking together. We have a deal that one morning a work week when we are feeling lazy, we can stay in bed and cuddle and sleep for the extra 45 minutes. I am trying to convince him that we should join a gym, something other than cardio!!!
I am a morning person but have a job with nighttime hours, which is a drag on me. I fit in excercise by walking my dogs and also walking at work. I work as a supervisor on a dock so I am on my feet often.
I used to walk to and from work almost everyday, approximately 2.25 miles. Now I live a bit farther away so I haven’t had a chance since our move. Hoping to get my bike fixed so I can bike to work instead.
I’m more of a morning person. But these hours I’ve been working lately are ridiculous, even for me!
My exercise tips are as follows: Do something you think is fun, and schedule, schedule, schedule. I live and breathe by my google calender. If it’s not in there, it doesn’t happen. So I make an exercise event six days a week, at times that work for me that day (since my hours at work change constantly- gotta love retail, right?)
I am more of a morning person. I like getting up early and sitting on the sofa with my sweet Ruby Sue (my yorkie) laying beside me and knitting. The house is quiet and we some special time together. We then go for a walk which is about a mile around our block. I still work 2 days a week and on those days I walk several miles while doing my job.
I used to be more of a morning person, but that changed over the years. I am the one that needs help with motivation to exercise – sounds like you are doing very well!
I’m more of a morning person, and need to be better about getting exercise in after work.
Morning person here, up by 5:30 everyday.
I think I am becoming more of a night person. After the years of getting up for work I am retired and getting used to a relaxing morning and TWO cups of coffee. Knitting is part of my routine every evening although my brain doesn’t function much after 11:00 PM. Exercise consists of summer gardening and winter treadmill although I’m not too consistent.
I’m morning person, which is to say that I rise early and then sort of putter around knitting, reading, etc. It’s a very peaceful time. I am not overly chipper or cheerful in the morning – just awake. 🙂 The upside? When my students roll in at 8 AM still asleep, I’ve been awake for a few hours already and ready to meet them with a big grin and a whole lot of cheer. Trust me, there’s nothing an 8th grader loves more than an overcheerful adult first thing in the morning 😉
I am a morning person. I reward myself with a dollar in my rhinebeck fund everyday I walk 10,000 steps, but they have to be “on a walk” steps not just around the house.
My sister gave me a Fitbit this past spring and I really like it, it helps give you a visual of your walking/exercise. I have no super advice on how to stick with it except that you just tell yourself you’re going to do it! From late May through July, I get out early in the morning when it’s cooler (I have to be at work by 7:30, so I’m out at 5am to run). Once it’s too dark in the morning, I go back to running after work, which can be a challenge with the high temps we’ve been having in Nebraska this summer, but I think I’ve gotten used to running in the heat! I set a goal of how many days a week I’m going to run and how many miles for each run. It also helps that I have several organized runs that I’m training for. I might suggest finding some local 5k walk/runs and participating in those as ways to motivate your training and get out with other people and share in the fun. You’re doing great by sticking with it for several months already! And now I need to go out and run before the thunderstorms roll through!