Morning workouts!

Hey everyone,

Over the past week, we have done some morning workouts, as well as our usual after-work sessions. Although it's tough to get up early, once you get through the workout, you feel truly energized and ready for your day!  This is a great option to keep in mind if you are unable to fit in a workout during the evening. We recommend that you use a timed workout style (e.g. tabata or density training) if you are in a rush and also start with a fairly easy exercise that doesn't require a lot of concentration or coordination until your body is fully awake.

Below are two morning workouts from last week, as well as an evening workout that we did today.

Kettlebells - slightly more intimidating at 5:30am...

Morning workout #1 - Tabata Duo (exercising Tabata-style, but alternating between two exercises during each of those 4 minute blocks)

1. A. Jumping lunges
    B. Alternating kettlebell deadlifts

2. A. Pull-ups
    B. Dips (Alex), Kettlebell press (Tannys)

3. A. Burpees
    B. Dynamic planks

4. A. Renegade rows
    B. Clean & press

5. A. Chin-ups (Alex), jumping squats (Tannys)
    B. Pushups

6. A. Sleeping crabs
    B. Alternating kettlebell rows

Morning workout #2 - Density Training

1. A. TGU's (Turkish get-ups)
    B. Alternating kettlebell deadlifts

2. A. Pull-ups
    B. Bench press

3. A. Snatches
    B. Overhead kettlebell lunges

4. A. One-arm kettlebell rows
    B. Straight leg dead lifts

5. A. Kettlebell racked squats
    B. Chest-ups (similar to chin-ups, but raise your chest to the bar to target your biceps more)

Overhead lunges (with a 12kg kettlebell)

The morning workouts were definitely a challenge.  Not only is it tough to force yourself out of bed earlier than you're used to, but your body will rebel when you also ask it to lift weights.  We have found that this gets better if you do morning workouts regularly - it becomes less of a shock to the system.  It's also important to ensure you are warmed up before you begin, as you may be more prone to injuries/accidents if you're not fully alert yet.
Evening workout - Density Training

1. A. TGU's
    B. Kettlebell swings

2. A. Mixed-grip pull-ups (weighted for Alex)
    B. Dips

3. A. Front squats (Alex), kettlebell racked squats (Tannys)
    B. Clean & press

4. A. Reverse push-ups
    B. Elevated push-ups (feet elevated on a bench)

5. A. Racked kettlebell bench step-ups
    B. Alternating kettlebell dead lifts

The best type of workout is the one that you actually perform, consistently.  By looking at your schedule, planning ahead, and fitting exercise into your day, you'll accomplish great things over time.

- Tannys & Alex