I was at a Students Engaged in Public Health meeting the other day, when Allie, fellow blogger and president of the club, said something very interesting.

“Sitting is the new smoking.”

It’s so true! As a student taking five classes, I sit for nearly 14 hours a week, excluding time spent at my job, or my commute.

That’s why it is especially important to make time to workout. And I don’t mean working out if you just so happen to have some free time. I mean scheduling a workout as you would any assignment, meeting, or study session.

Personally, waking up early and exercising motivates me to take on the rest of the day. Sure, you don’t get that extra hour or two of sleep, but you’ll feel accomplished knowing you got it out of the way. I don’t drink coffee or energy drinks, so an early workout gives me the energy boost I need to take on whatever else my schedule has in store.

At the end of the day, if I know I’m going to be working out in the morning, I set aside my “outfit” so it’s ready for me right when I wake up. New gym clothes motivate me like no other. If you’re waking up early, you might as well have something to look forward to. . . like cute shoes.

Plain white tee, Gilly Hicks capris, my size 6 shoes.

And, if you need even more motivation, check out Derek’s running club!