Thanksgiving is a time of indulgence, with family gatherings, delicious feasts, and plenty 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 boosts 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, catering to different fitness levels and preferences, so you can stay on track while celebrating the holiday.
Why Workout Exercise on Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving often revolves around heavy meals and long hours of sitting, which can leave you feeling sluggish. Incorporating a workout into your day offers numerous benefits:
- Boosts 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: Working out releases endorphins, enhancing your mood and energy.
- Creates balance: A pre-meal workout can help you enjoy the feast without overindulging.
Now that we know why staying active is important on Thanksgiving, let’s dive into some workout options.
Best Thanksgiving Workouts
1. The Pre-Feast Cardio Blast
What It Is:
A cardio workout designed to get your heart pumping and calories burning before the Thanksgiving meal.
Why It Works:
Cardio is excellent for increasing calorie burn, improving cardiovascular health, and energizing your body.
How to Do It:
- Warm-Up (5 minutes): Light jogging or brisk walking.
- Workout (20 minutes): Alternate between 30 seconds of high-intensity moves like jumping jacks, burpees, or high knees, followed by 30 seconds of rest.
- Cool-Down (5 minutes): Stretching or a slow walk to bring your heart rate down.
2. Turkey Trot Fun Run Thanksgiving Workouts
What It Is:
Many communities host a “Turkey Trot” fun run, which is a family-friendly race 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. Plus, the atmosphere is often festive, adding to the holiday spirit.
How to Join:
- Look up 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 in your neighborhood.
3. Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Workouts
What It Is:
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 post-meal activity.
How to Do It:
- Obstacle Course: Set up a backyard obstacle course with simple stations like jumping over chairs, crawling under tables, and sprinting between cones.
- Tag Games: Play a game of freeze tag or capture the flag.
- Mini Challenges: Compete in fun challenges like planks, push-ups, or jump rope.
4. Quick Strength Circuit Thanksgiving Workouts
What It Is:
A 30-minute strength training circuit targeting major muscle groups.
Why It Works:
Strength training builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and offers a break from cardio-centric routines.
How to Do It:
Perform the following circuit 3 times, resting for 1 minute between rounds:
- Push-Ups: 15 reps
- Bodyweight Squats: 20 reps
- Lunges: 10 reps per leg
- Plank Hold: 30 seconds
- Mountain Climbers: 20 reps
5. Post-Meal Walk Thanksgiving Workouts
What It Is:
A leisurely walk after your Thanksgiving meal.
Why It Works:
Walking aids digestion, prevents post-meal lethargy, and provides an opportunity to spend quality time with family.
How to Do It:
- Choose a scenic route near your home or explore a local park.
- Walk at a conversational pace for 20–30 minutes.
- Engage the whole family for a relaxing and inclusive activity.
6. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Thanksgiving Workouts
What It Is:
A fast-paced workout alternating between high-intensity exercises and short rest periods.
Why It Works:
HIIT burns calories efficiently, making it ideal for busy Thanksgiving schedules.
How to Do It:
- Warm-Up (5 minutes): Dynamic stretches and light jogging.
- Workout (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 work, 20 seconds rest)
- Jumping Lunges (40 seconds work, 20 seconds rest)
- Cool-Down (5 minutes): Stretching and deep breathing.
7. Yoga Flow for Relaxation
What It Is:
A gentle yoga session focusing on stretching and relaxation.
Why It Works:
Yoga reduces stress, improves flexibility, and promotes mindfulness—a perfect counterbalance to the holiday hustle.
How to Do It:
- Warm-Up (5 minutes): Gentle stretches like cat-cow and child’s pose.
- Flow (20 minutes):
- Sun Salutations (5 rounds)
- Warrior II to Reverse Warrior (5 breaths per pose)
- Seated Forward Fold (1 minute)
- Cool-Down (5 minutes): End with deep breathing in savasana (corpse pose).
8. At-Home Circuit Thanksgiving Workouts
What It Is:
A no-equipment workout you can do at home.
Why It Works:
This workout is quick, efficient, and doesn’t require any special equipment, making it ideal for a busy Thanksgiving day.
How to Do It:
- 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 for 2 minutes between rounds.
9. Thanksgiving-Themed Workout Challenge
What It Is:
A festive workout incorporating Thanksgiving-inspired movements.
Why It Works:
Adding a holiday twist makes the workout fun and engaging.
How to Do It:
- Turkey Lunges: Walking lunges while pretending to carry a Thanksgiving turkey (10 reps per leg).
- Pumpkin Squats: Hold a pumpkin or a weighted object while doing squats (15 reps).
- Stuffing Sit-Ups: Perform sit-ups and pretend to pass a “stuffing dish” overhead (15 reps).
- Gravy Boat Rows: Use a household item as a weight for bent-over rows (15 reps).
10. Evening Stretch and Meditation
What It Is:
A calming session to wind down after the day’s activities.
Why It Works:
Stretching relieves tension, while meditation promotes relaxation and gratitude.
How to Do It:
- Stretching (10 minutes): Focus on major muscle groups, holding each stretch for 20–30 seconds.
- Meditation (10 minutes): Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and practice deep breathing. Reflect on what you’re grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Tips for Staying Motivated on Thanksgiving
- Set a Goal: Decide on a workout plan in advance and commit to it.
- Involve Others: Invite friends or family to join you for added accountability and fun.
- Make It Fun: Choose workouts you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a family game or a solo yoga session.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate your effort with a delicious, well-earned Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, great food. By incorporating one or more of these workouts into your day, you can maintain your fitness goals while fully enjoying the holiday. Whether you prefer a quick HIIT session, a calming yoga flow, or a family-friendly activity, there’s a Thanksgiving workout for everyone. Remember, staying active is not just about burning calories—it’s about feeling energized, balanced, and ready to make the most of this special time of year.