Thanksgiving is a time of indulgence, with family gatherings, delicious feasts and lots of relaxation. However, it’s also an opportunity to maintain your fitness routine and offset some of those extra calories. Incorporating workouts into your Thanksgiving day not only keeps you active, but also increases your energy levels, leaving you feeling accomplished and ready to enjoy the festivities guilt-free. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best Thanksgiving workouts, tailored to different fitness levels and preferences, so you can stay on track while celebrating the holiday.
Why exercise on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving often revolves around large meals and long hours spent sitting, which can leave you feeling sluggish. Incorporating a workout into your day offers many benefits:
- Stimulates metabolism: Physical activity helps burn calories and keeps your metabolism active.
- Reduces stress: Exercise can combat the stress of holiday preparations and family dynamics.
- Improves mood: Exercise releases endorphins, improving your mood and energy.
- Create a balance: A pre-meal workout can help you enjoy the feast without overdoing it.
Now that we know why it’s important to stay active this Thanksgiving, let’s move on to some workout options.
Best Thanksgiving Workouts
1. The cardio blast before the feast
What is this :
A cardio workout designed to get your heart pumping and burn calories before Thanksgiving dinner.
Why it works:
Cardio is excellent for increasing calorie burn, improving cardiovascular health and energizing your body.
How to proceed:
- Warm-up (5 minutes): Light jogging or brisk walking.
- Training (20 minutes): Alternate between 30 seconds of high-intensity movements like jumping jacks, burpees, or high knees, followed by 30 seconds of rest.
- Cooling (5 minutes): Stretching or walking slowly to lower your heart rate.
2. Turkey Trot Fun Run Thanksgiving Workouts
What is this :
Many communities host a “Turkey Trot” fun run, a family run ranging from 1 mile to 5k or more.
Why it works:
It’s a social and enjoyable way to stay active and connect with others in your community. In addition, the atmosphere is often festive, which adds to the holiday spirit.
How to join:
- Search for local Turkey Trot events in your area.
- Participate with friends or family to make it a group activity.
- If no events are available, create your own Turkey Trot by running or walking a route around your neighborhood.
3. Family Thanksgiving Workouts
What is this :
A workout designed for the whole family, combining fun and fitness.
Why it works:
This workout encourages bonding while staying active, making it perfect for Thanksgiving morning or an after-meal activity.
How to proceed:
- Obstacle course: Set up an obstacle course in your backyard with simple stations like jumping over chairs, crawling under tables and sprinting between cones.
- Tag sets: Play a game of freeze tag or capture the flag.
- Mini-challenges: Take part in fun challenges like planks, push-ups or jump rope.
4. Fast resistance circuit Thanksgiving Workouts
What is this :
A 30-minute strength training circuit targeting major muscle groups.
Why it works:
Strength training builds muscle, boosts metabolism and provides a break from cardio-centric routines.
How to proceed:
Perform the following circuit 3 times, resting 1 minute between rounds:
- Push ups: 15 repetitions
- Bodyweight squats: 20 repetitions
- Lungs: 10 repetitions per leg
- Plank hold: 30 seconds
- Mountaineers: 20 repetitions
5. Walk after a meal Thanksgiving Workouts
What is this :
A leisurely stroll after your Thanksgiving meal.
Why it works:
Walking aids digestion, prevents lethargy after meals and provides the opportunity to spend quality time with family.
How to proceed:
- Choose a scenic route near you or explore a local park.
- Walk at a conversational pace for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Engage the whole family for a relaxing and inclusive activity.
6. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Thanksgiving Workouts
What is this :
A quick workout alternating high-intensity exercises and short rest periods.
Why it works:
HIIT burns calories efficiently, making it ideal for busy Thanksgiving schedules.
How to proceed:
- Warm-up (5 minutes): Dynamic stretching and light jogging.
- Training (20 minutes): Repeat the following for 4 rounds:
- Burpees (40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest)
- Squat Jumps (40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest)
- Push-ups (40 seconds on, 20 seconds rest)
- Jump lunges (40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest)
- Cooling (5 minutes): Stretching and deep breathing.
7. Yoga flow for relaxation
What is this :
A gentle yoga session focused on stretching and relaxation.
Why it works:
Yoga reduces stress, improves flexibility and promotes mindfulness, a perfect counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
How to proceed:
- Warm-up (5 minutes): Gentle stretches like cat-cow and child’s pose.
- Procedure (20 minutes):
- Sun Salutations (5 rounds)
- Warrior II to Reverse Warrior (5 breaths per pose)
- Seated Forward Fold (1 minute)
- Cooling (5 minutes): Finish with deep breathing in savasana (corpse pose).
8. Home circuit Thanksgiving Workouts
What is this :
An equipment-free workout you can do at home.
Why it works:
This workout is quick, effective, and requires no special equipment, making it ideal for a busy Thanksgiving day.
How to proceed:
- Perform each exercise for 45 seconds, with 15 seconds of rest between:
- Jumping Jacks
- Push ups
- Squats
- Plank with shoulder taps
- Burpees
- Repeat the circuit 3 times, resting 2 minutes between rounds.
9. Thanksgiving Themed Workout Challenge
What is this :
A festive workout incorporating Thanksgiving-inspired moves.
Why it works:
Adding a holiday twist makes working out fun and engaging.
How to proceed:
- The turkey throws itself: Walk pretending to carry a Thanksgiving turkey (10 reps per leg).
- Pumpkin Squats: Hold a pumpkin or weighted object while you do squats (15 reps).
- Padding for sit-ups: Perform sit-ups and pretend to pass a “stuffing dish” over your head (15 reps).
- Rows of gravy boats: Use a household item as a weight for bent-over rows (15 reps).
10. Evening stretches and meditation
What is this :
A soothing session to unwind after the day’s activities.
Why it works:
Stretching relieves tension, while meditation promotes relaxation and gratitude.
How to proceed:
- Stretching (10 minutes): Focus on major muscle groups, holding each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Meditation (10 minutes): Sit comfortably, close your eyes and practice deep breathing. Think about what you are grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Tips to Stay Motivated This Thanksgiving
- Set a goal: Decide on a training plan in advance and commit to sticking to it.
- Involve others: Invite your friends or family to join you for more responsibility and fun.
- Make it fun: Choose workouts that you really enjoy, whether it’s a family game or a solo yoga session.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate your efforts with a delicious, well-deserved Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, good food. By incorporating one or more of these workouts into your day, you can maintain your fitness goals while still enjoying the vacation to the fullest. Whether you prefer a quick HIIT session, a calming yoga flow, or a family activity, there’s a Thanksgiving workout for everyone. Remember, staying active isn’t just about burning calories—it’s also about feeling energized, balanced, and ready to make the most of this special time of year.