Best Morning Exercises to Energize Your Day

Photo credit: Pedro Simões CC-BY-2.0 2009

We’ve all had days when we didn’t want to get out of bed. To energize your body for the day ahead, try doing some Pilates or other exercises right in your bed. Perform stretching exercises in your bed before you go down for your morning coffee and breakfast to jump-start your metabolism. A morning workout in your bed can help you have more energy for your regular workout routine later in the day. Your mind and body will ready to take on whatever challenges come your way throughout the day. Throw back the covers and exercise!

After hours of sleeping, your back may feel a bit stiff. Roll your body into a ball to stretch out your spine and work your abs. Sit up in bed and bring your knees to your chest. Hold your knees with your hands, and then curve your back by bending forward over your knees. Roll back on the bed on your back and then roll to the upright position again. Perform this exercise for 10 repetitions.

Strengthen and energize your core muscles by doing some leg lifts next. Stretch out on your bed with your legs extended and your arms relaxed by your side. Point your toes toward the ceiling. Lift your left heel off the bed about 12 inches. Lower your left leg until your heel is approximately 1 inch from the bed. Hold your leg off the bed for about 10 seconds, and then raise your leg back up. Repeat 10 times for each leg.

Bring your knees up to your chest and point your toes. Lift your head and shoulders off the bed, using only your abdominal muscles. Hold this position for about 10 to 15 seconds and then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Stretch your abdominal and back muscles next by bending your knees so that your lower legs are parallel to the bed. Keep your feet and knees together, and your shoulders flat against the bed. Swing both knees to the right side of the bed. Try to keep your shoulders on the bed. Hold for 10 seconds and then swing your legs to the left side. Do 10 repetitions for each side.