Going to the gym in the morning is definitely a process and a struggle. Most people don't get up early in the morning to get their workout out of the way for the day, because let's face it, most of us would rather get those few extra hours of good ole sleep than wake up as the sun is rising and go get sweaty for an hour and a half. But there are always those few who do sacrifice the extra sleep to get up and go to the gym. And normally, I am not one of these people. But this summer I have become one of the early gym risers—these are the 11 stages of going through a 6 a.m. workout.

1. Early morning wake up

There's nothing more dreadful than hearing your alarm going off at 6:00 a.m. when you're comfortable underneath all of your blankets.

2. Pre-workout shot

And no, I'm not talking about the alcoholic shot (though that doesn't seem like too bad of an idea). I'm talking about the shot that makes it possible to properly function this early in the morning. I'm talking about a good ole shot of C4.

3. Pre-workout kicks in...on your drive to the gym

Maybe it's your body slowly starting to wake up as the sun rises, or maybe it's being aided by the pre-workout, but the new adrenaline pumping through your veins is making you belt out songs on the radio as if you were auditioning for "The Voice."

4. Stepping into the gym

You've scanned your membership card, put your stuff into the locker, and you're stretching in preparation for your workout. The sound of weights being lifted and treadmills going is enough to get you excited for your workout.

5. Cardio

Whether you hate it or you love it, cardio is a must whenever you go to the gym. Not only is it a great warm-up, but it's also a great way to get your heart pumping in the early morning. Besides, you know what they say, once you finish your run, you feel better than you did before you started it.

6. Five minutes later...

This is the moment when you immediately regret your decision to run on the treadmill instead of doing the elliptical.

7. End of cardio

'Nough said.

8. Time to hit the weights

A little lifting never hurt anybody. Plus, if you strategically timed your cardio, the weights area should now be near empty of all the people who choose not to torture themselves by starting their workout off with cardio.

9. Post-workout

Your entire body is sore, your workout is done, you've ingested enough water to fill up a child's swimming pool, and you smell. But hey, at least you've finished your workout, so that makes it the smell of success...right?

10. Progress check

OK, now maybe sometimes what you see in the mirror isn't always what's there... But hey, keep that dream and work on it—soon it'll become a reality.

11. Crash and burn

Naps for days.