I’m not a morning person. In fact, I’m not even a late-morning person. I start really perking up somewhere around noon. However, I work out at 5:30 or 6:00 every morning.

Why? To make sure I get it done.

In a recent article on EverydayHealth.com. Alice Burron, MS, a Wyoming-based personal trainer, spokeswoman for the National American Council, and author of Four Weeks to Fabulous had this to say about the benefits of a morning workout.

First, exercise jump-starts your metabolism, and keeps you burning calories at a higher rate all day. Also, you get your exercise out of the way and don’t have to worry about not having time for your workout routine, should something unexpected come up during the day.”

But how do you get yourself to work out in the morning? Everyday Health offers these great tips:

1. Move your alarm clock from the nightstand to across the room.

This way you have to get out of bed to turn it off. (I actually use this trick – it works.) They also suggest that if you use music for an alarm, using a song from your workout playlist can help get you in the mood.

2. Get a workout buddy and make an appointment for an early morning workout.

This helps keep you accountable.

You don’t want to be the one who overslept or was too lazy to get up and get moving,” says Burron.

3. Load workout music onto your iPod.

A great playlist can really get you pumped, especially first thing in the morning.

4. Have your clothes ready.

To follow through on a morning workout routine, it helps to lay out your exercise clothes and equipment the night before. That way you don’t waste any time getting dressed and ready for your workout.”

I go one better and sleep in my cropped sweats and tee. All I have to do is slip on my sports bra and shoes and I’m ready.

5. Look forward to a better breakfast.

You may want to eat something quick, like a banana or a handful of almonds, to give you a boost of energy before your workout routine. Then after you cool down, have your real breakfast — and make it special as a reward for your efforts.”

Getting your workout in first thing in the morning is a great ay to make sure you get your workout in at all. Don’t let unexpected delays, responsibilities or tiredness get you off track!