14 Morning Routines Used by the Fittest People We Know

They begin each day with a few healthy behaviors that position them for success from dawn until dusk. Discover the morning routine that keeps each of these 17 fitness enthusiasts at the top of their game by reading on. You can still act like you #wokeup like this, so don't worry.

14 Proven Morning Routines to Incorporate

1. Sweat a much.

Time management is essential for me as a mother of a 3-year-old and a 7-month-old. I go outdoors and begin going right away! I am immediately energized by the sun and the fresh air. We all benefit when I take my dog for a morning stroll with my children. While my youngest sleeps, I also like doing a workout like this full-body dumbbell exercise outdoors. Early morning exercise prepares me for success. — Blonde Ponytail Fitness's founder and personal trainer in Chicago, Jess Allen, MS, CSCS

2. Attain a zen mindset.

I begin each day with a little meditation that lasts five to ten minutes. This guarantees that I start off with a calm, introspective mindset and prepares me for anything comes my way. My stress and anxiety levels are kept under control when I do this every day, even for a short while. — Alissa Rumsey, a representative for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and an MS, RD, CSCS

3. Sip from a large glass of water.

"I always make sure to drink a full glass of water as soon as I wake up. I love coffee, and I wouldn't dare start my day without it. But I've discovered that the best place to start is with water, and I often use it to keep hydrated and awake throughout the day.

4. Be flexible.

When I don't have to leave for work before my kids are up, I set my alarm for 30 to 60 minutes before theirs so that I may have some "me" time. I earn my coffee by starting with a huge glass of water. Then, while I catch up on the news, I take out the foam roller to do some self-myofascial release. Multitasking is key! I've promised myself that I'll work on my mobility for a little while each day, and doing it first thing in the morning has worked wonders.

5. Adhere to your strategy.

Before reading my email, I construct a "to-do" list. Instead of feeling like my day is dictated by my never-ending email and requests from others, this gives me a sense of control.

6. Strengthen your abs.

"I check in with my core first thing in the morning with a five-minute mini-abs practice. I can make better choices all day long thanks to it! This makes me more aware of my body and prepared to take good care of it, whether it's choosing what to eat for lunch or deciding whether to go to the gym after work.

7. Consume this cheery beverage.

My preferred morning beverage is made up of hot water, a sizable amount of apple cider vinegar, half a lemon's juice, and significant amounts of turmeric and cayenne. The metabolism may be reactivated, inflammation can be reduced, and energy can be increased. When I take the time to consume this before breakfast, I also notice that I make better decisions throughout the day. — Gina Harney, a group exercise teacher, certified personal trainer, and writer for The Fitnessista

8. Pick a day for exercise.

"I register for courses that start early on Tuesday and Thursday. Since there is childcare, I compel myself to drag my kid to the class even if he had a horrible night of sleep. Due to the restricted childcare spots, I can no longer sign up immediately before. Good accountability prevents me from being penalized for failing to show up. — Sarah Dussault, a YouTuber, blogger, and certified personal trainer at Sarah Fit

9. Become impenetrable.

"I make bulletproof coffee by adding a pad of grass-fed butter to my coffee, followed by exercise. I need this endorphin release to start my mornings! — Chris Powell, co-author of Extreme Transformation: Lifelong Weight Loss in 21 Days and a trainer on ABC's Extreme Weight Loss

10. Exercise the dog.

"I take my dog for a 20- to 30-minute stroll as soon as I get up. Despite the fact that we don't have a fenced-in yard since we live in a townhouse and I spend most of my day at a computer, I do like the additional exercise. My day is started off wonderfully with the workout, natural noises, and fresh air. For me, it resembles a type of meditation. — Nia Shanks, owner of Lift Like a Girl and a journalist who specializes in fitness.

11. Permit creative ideas to flow.

"I create a little shake every morning with water, 1/2 a scoop of protein powder, 1/2 a scoop of pre-workout, and 1/2 a scoop of glutamine. It's a lovely little combination that keeps me fasting yet tends to stop my later sugar cravings! I take a drink while reading a few encouraging remarks. I like reading Louise Hay because she has cute proverbs like "I soar beyond all constraints" that I can remember all day. Run to the Finish blogger Amanda Brooks

12. Put on a sports bra.

"I first get dressed for running. It is simpler to do if you wake up early and change into your training attire. Right, getting your sports bra on is half the fight. After that, I brew some iced coffee and enjoy it while I put my hair in a bun and apply SPF 30 athletic sunscreen. When I'm ready to go, my coffee is already gone, and I head out the door to get in a few miles before beginning my day.

13. Have a stimulating breakfast.

No coffee. I choose yerba mate tea, mix two oranges and one grapefruit, then combine it with two eggs. I've never felt better, and this enables me to work all day at full capacity. — Jimmy Minardi, owner of Minardi Training and a licensed personal trainer who also teaches yoga.

14. Give me some collagen.

I started putting collagen in my coffee a few months ago, and now I drink it every day. Collagen improves digestion, strengthens joints and cartilage, encourages the development of hair and nails, fights wrinkles, boosts protein intake, and contains a wealth of amino acids. A spoonful is added to my coffee. It dissolves right away and hardly changes the flavor or texture of my coffee. — Julie Fagan, a blogger at Peanut Butter Fingers and a personal trainer.