Morning Lifting

[Ledd]

Hey guys, hows it going?  I work seasonally, winters off mostly, and I am trying to get back in the routine of going to the gym early, like 5am early.  I got used to going later in the morning or some evenings during the winter and I am just having a hell of a time getting pumped in the morn.  I get around 8 hours of rest, and I usually eat a cup of yogurt before I go but man morning lifting just sucks compared with later in the day.  What I'm saying is that it just feels like a chore than actually doing something I want to, and I am definitely stronger in the evenings.  I would just continue to lift later in the day if it wasnt for my schedule, I work 10 to 12 hours a day 6 days a week, and I'm a father of three. 
I just want to continue to grow stronger, which I dont think is possible with morning lifting unless I can find something to get me pumped in the mornings.  Early cardio? stimulants?

[SUPERDAD911]

I am in the same boat as you. If I don't do it early, I cant get it done at all. Anyway, I do two things.

1.) Take a shower. Not a cold one or anything, I just get in there and it helps me wake up without giving me a headache. Usually, after that, I am up.

2.) Sometimes I use that 5hr. energy supp that you can find at pretty much any drug store. Its not real cheap, but it will sure get you going (assuming you aren't a cafeine fiend).

Other than that sometimes it just isn't a good idea to do it in the morning. Sometimes, depending on my work schedule, I will hit the gym at like 11pm.

Good luck.

[Mike]

Hey guys, hows it going?  I work seasonally, winters off mostly, and I am trying to get back in the routine of going to the gym early, like 5am early.  I got used to going later in the morning or some evenings during the winter and I am just having a hell of a time getting pumped in the morn.  I get around 8 hours of rest, and I usually eat a cup of yogurt before I go but man morning lifting just sucks compared with later in the day.  What I'm saying is that it just feels like a chore than actually doing something I want to, and I am definitely stronger in the evenings.  I would just continue to lift later in the day if it wasnt for my schedule, I work 10 to 12 hours a day 6 days a week, and I'm a father of three. 
I just want to continue to grow stronger, which I dont think is possible with morning lifting unless I can find something to get me pumped in the mornings.  Early cardio? stimulants?

Some people adapt to it better.  If after a few weeks it's not "clicking" it might not be for you. 

It's definetely not for me, no matter how much sleep I get.  I get to my gym to work at about 5am but I'm a zombie, I am just awake enough to train some clients, do some paperwork and get home for a 10am nap.

Black coffee and a very light breakfast is good.  The shower idea is great.

[smaul]

Try it, once you get used to it you might like it.  Personally I cant get into it too well if I do it that early, I dont like doing it too late at night either though, then I have problems getting to sleep.

[Ledd]

Thanks for the replies guys.  I kind of like the shower idea, might try it.  I dont know what the deal is, if I'm just "getting older" or what.  I am only twenty six so I find that hard to believe though.  I lifted in the mornings all last work season and I would only occasionally experience this, but so far this year I can barely force myself through a half-assed workout.  Ah well what the hell, I'll quit my bitching now.