5 Ways to Hack Your Workout Routine This Fall

Did summer get you off your wellness game? Now that fall is in full swing, follow these simple tips to help you get back into your workout routine.

Don’t get me wrong, I love summer as much as the next person (ok, probably more than the next person) but it can be really hard to keep your wellness routine in check during the sunny months. Between BBQ’s, vacations, and constantly having plans, it can be hard to make time to focus on yourself, so fall is the perfect time to get back into a normal routine and dial in those healthy habits.

This summer, I worked hard and played hard, and some of my healthy habits fell by the wayside. Now that my schedule is more consistent again, I’m excited to get back into a normal groove with my healthy habits, and want to share some of my favorite tips for doing so with you too!

So if you’re struggling to get your groove back in the workout department, here are some easy hacks to help you get back into your workout routine and keep healthy habits in check even when you’re busy.

Plan Workouts That Are 30 Minutes or Less

If you’ve taken time off from working out, getting back into a groove can feel especially daunting because working out after taking time off is just plain hard. But it doesn’t have to be something you dread! And when you get back into working out after taking the summer off, you don’t need to work out for hours on end. Start by planning short workouts that you won’t dread having to complete. Set aside 30 minutes after work to get a quick bodyweight workout in, or to go for an easy 30-minute jog. Your goal is to just get your body moving again in a way you won’t dread – because if you dread it you won’t do it! If you need fast, do-anywhere workout ideas head here for five free bodyweight routines perfect for when you’re short on time.

Keep Your Gym Bag Packed

If you’re heading back to work or school keeping your gym bag packed is a MUST if you want to stay on your workout game, especially if you’re working out right before or after school. When I’m gearing up for workouts before work, a gym bag that has been packed the night before is a MUST. Early in the morning or right after getting off work the last thing you want to do is fuss with picking out what workout clothes to wear, or hunting to find headphones. Keep your gym bag stacked with essentials (a dedicated set of headphones, a water bottle, travel-sized toiletries) and pack it with the clothes you need the night before so you’re ready to go.

PS: If you’re in the market for a new gym bag, I’m loving this one from adidas.

Schedule Walk Breaks Into Your Day

The most effective form of exercise you can implement into your routine is walking. Yes, really! Walking has numerous benefits for overall health. Studies suggest that adding an additional 2,000 steps to your day can reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease by as much as 10% (source). Furthermore, regular walking is great for overall mobility, balance and coordination. Plus, it’s totally free and doesn’t require any equipment. Get some extra steps in by taking phone meetings standing up and walking in a quiet area, or going for a short walk during your lunch break.

Also, these shoes are SUPER comfy and have been my jam lately for walks.

Perform Full-Body Workouts

The ultimate fitness routine hack: focus on full-body workouts to get the most bang for your buck. When you work multiple muscle groups at once, you are able to burn more calories in less time, thus getting better results. Now, I’m not a huge fan of counting or tracking calories burned during a workout but it is nice to end a workout feeling like you’ve truly done something, right? That’s why I love performing fast-paced full-body circuits when I’m short on time or am trying to get back in the swing of things workout-wise. Getting better results in less time is a major motivator! If you’re looking for workout ideas, check out the fitness archives here on the blog.

Choose Looks that Can Take You From the Gym to Happy Hour

Or to dinner. Or to a school function. Or wherever. Having some staple pieces that are easy to move in or throw over workout clothes without actually looking like workout clothes are a must. That way it’s easy to transition from gym time to social time without having to skip a beat. Personally, I’m a huge fan of wearing neutral athletic pieces so I can mix and match them easily with my favorite wardrobe staples. Lately, I’ve been pairing this crew neck with just about everything before and after workouts, and on-the-go.

Your Turn

• What are some of your favorite fitness hacks?
• Do you plan on re-vamping your fitness routine this fall?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by adidas. I was selected to participate as part of their blogger network. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that keep The Balanced Berry going <3.