Is your family not one of those that participate in an annual #turkeytrot ever year? Or, are you crunched for time but still want to get in a good Thanksgiving workout before your meal? Well, I’ve got you covered!
Here are some tips on how to work up a pre-meal sweat without heading to the gym bright and early:
Core Exercises
Building up your abdominal muscles can not only improve your posture and alleviate chronic back pain, but it can also strengthen and flatten the tummy, according to medical experts. Try completing two full rounds (roughly 12-15 reps) of knee-in crunches, bicycle crunches, high knees, reverse crunches and planks to get those abs on fire. Don’t spend more than 20 minutes on these. The workout should be moderately quick, but still useful to get your day started.
Circuit or Strength Training
Circuit or strength training should be kept to quick 30-minute intervals. To blast the calories, create a high-intensity workout that combines strength and cardio with just a few easy exercises like forward and backward lunges, squats, pushups, mountain climbers, deadlifts and goblet squats. Check out sites like Pinterest and Youtube with the hashtag #circuittraining for workout inspiration. And, as always, proper technique is key to getting the most extended benefits so make sure you are practicing good form! The last thing you want to do is harm yourself on Thanksgiving.
Relax with some Yoga
If you are looking for something at a lower intensity or if you are trying to relax before you feast on turkey and stuffing, try something tranquil like yoga. Brace your mind and body for a long day ahead with some smooth moves like downward dog, child’s pose, military presses, toe touches, the list goes on and on. Do a quick search for #fatburningyoga exercises and get it done!
Jump Rope or Kettlebell exercises
These exercises are more intense and will get your heart pumping in no time. Using a jump rope or kettlebell will help you burn impressive amounts of calories in just a short amount of time. Jumping cable improves your coordination, works your core, and jumpstarts your focus. Using a kettlebell will increase posture and help to tone your glutes and hamstrings.
Work it out in the kitchen
Believe it or not, when you are in the kitchen, you can get in a good workout. Some ways to do this include, squatting while you sauté (yes I am serious!), calf raises while you chop up of vegetables or make the pie, dancing around your kitchen while you clean, even using your hands as a mixer instead of a handheld one. It is possible; you have to get creative and have fun with it.
Head outside for some cardio
If you’re looking for a fun way to workout, grab the family and get active in either your background or neighborhood. Toss around a football, kick a soccer ball, shoot hoops, throw a Frisbee, or maybe even play capture the flag with family to wake up your muscles and get your heart rate up.
As always, you can adjust/modify these workouts according to your fitness level.
What are some ways you like to get in a workout before the holidays?
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