While many of us would prefer to stay a little longer in bed in the morning, a whopping 79% of Americans say that morning is actually the best time for them to exercise.

They may well be right, too. Many experts say that doing a Pilates routine when you first wake up is the best way to prepare for your day. This is because it has lots of great health benefits that will stay with you all day long. 

These can include boosting your metabolism simply by including exercise before you eat. Also, early exercise will improve your mood by releasing happiness-boosting hormones into your bloodstream, which will stay with you all day.

Finally, morning exercise can help reduce your stress levels by again reducing the amount of cortisone, or the stress hormone, in your body. 

If you want to start your day off on the best foot but aren't sure of the best way to get started, read this guide for some top tips on creating a morning Pilates mat routine.

1. Do It Early

There are several benefits to starting your exercise early in the morning. Normally, it is the most peaceful time of the day, where there are fewer distractions.

Additionally, it will help set the tone for a much healthier start to your day. If you begin with a great routine, you will be more likely to continue making healthy choices.

If you can, also consider taking your exercise outside the house to benefit from the early morning sunlight and increase your vitamin D levels for the rest of the day. 

2. Drink Lots of Water

Make sure you stay hydrated during your routine. It is essential that, when you wake up, one of the first things you do is drink a glass of water.

Ensure you do this before you begin your workout. Sleep dehydrates us, so it is important to start exercise routines refreshed.

Drinking lots of water will also boost your mood. So, skip the morning coffee, hit the mat, and feel great.

3. Don't Eat First

There are many scientific benefits to working out in a fasted state. After you wake up, your body has the lowest levels of the "hunger hormone," or ghrelin.

Working out before this hormone becomes stimulated helps boost your metabolism and may help you feel more sated throughout the day. This will again prepare you for the day and lead you to make healthier food choices all day long.

4. Don't Overstretch Yourself

As it is early, your muscles may not be fully awake yet. It is therefore important to remember not to overstretch yourself at this point. Start with an easy Pilates routine.

The routine will help awaken your body gently and will stretch your body naturally. If you should need extra assistance, then use tools like resistance bands and rings when needed. Use a towel for padding if parts of your body are still tender when in contact with the mat.

5. Shower Immediately After

Once your muscles are awake and tingly after the routine, this is the best time to have your morning shower. So while you may be tempted to hit the coffee, press pause on that briefly.

A shower immediately after your routine will help stimulate the blood flow around your body, giving you an amazing, warm, and healthy glow.

6. Include Hundreds in Your Routine

This exercise is a staple of most Pilates routines and is a fantastic way to get that blood pumping around the body. It is a dynamic warm-up that will help get you ready for the stretches.

This exercise will warm your muscles while stretching your abdominal muscles and improving your overall stability and strength.

Take precautions not to strain your neck and shoulders during the exercise.

7. Do a Shoulder Bridge

Nothing feels better first thing in the morning than a great backstretch. This exercise will provide you with that while also helping to strengthen your glutes and hamstrings.

It also helps to stabilize your hips and pelvis. This is a great help if you are particularly stiff or suffer pain in these joints. In the morning, after sleeping in one position all night, you may find that you have more body aches. This move will help you stretch them out.

8. Massage Yourself With Roll Like a Ball

Start the day with a full back massage. Roll like a ball provides you with a great way to strengthen your core muscles while massaging your spine.

It also helps to improve your balance and overall mobility by keeping your spine flexible and healthy. Your body will thank you for the rest of the day after adding this to your morning routine.

9. Stretch Out With The Arrow or Dart

This is another move that will provide you with a full backstretch, warming your muscles and removing any kinks left over from the night's sleep. It is a great move to include in a Pilates routine for beginners, too, as it is gentle and easy to do.

It strengthens your spine and stretches your abs by providing a full back extension. Likewise, it is a great exercise if you suffer from back pain, especially after a long night's sleep.

Once again, be careful to not hyperextend your neck by looking up too high. Keep your neck in line with your spine for a full healthy extension.

10. Finish With The Plank

This is a great all-star move to finish off your workout and provide yourself with a full-body tone in the process. It will work all the muscles in your core, back, arms, and legs.

It works your entire core, and you will definitely feel the heat in your muscles afterward and that feeling will stay with you all morning.

Boost Your Morning With a Pilates Routine

Having a Pilates routine in the morning can be a great way to start your day. Just make sure that you are well-hydrated, and be careful not to overstretch yourself while your muscles are still warming up. Then, enjoy that post-workout glow!

If you want to get started with a Pilates exercise routine, why not check out our class schedule for the next courses starting near you or online?