We've all heard of the five-second rule. You drop some scrumptious treat on the floor and you have five seconds to pick it up so it will still be 'safe' to eat.

When it comes to working out in the morning, try the five-minute rule.

When your alarm goes off, hit the snooze button once, and then get up when the alarm goes off five minutes later.

So why five minutes? And what should you do with that time?

During those five minutes, stay in bed and use them to mentally prepare yourself for your workout.

This doesn't mean you should debate whether or not to work out. That's definitely not the question. The assumption is you will be exercising.

Use the five minutes to visualize yourself working out, thinking about the goal of the work out. Are you trying to run faster on the treadmill or lift heavier weights? Focus on your goal and see yourself succeeding.

Think about how great the workout will make you feel and how accomplished you will feel by 7 a.m. when you finish. It will encourage you to work just a little bit harder during your workout.

Waking up five minutes earlier than normal certainly isn't going to deprive you of any sleep, and spending just five minutes concentrating on and visualizing a successful workout really puts you in the right frame of mind to kick butt with your workout.

Give it a try during your next morning workout, and you’ll see that little bit of extra focus pay off when you push yourself harder.

Jess Milcetich is a runner striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working 40+ hours per week and trying to balance a social life. You can follow her training and fitness adventures at JessRuns.com and on Twitter @run_girl_run.

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