She Strengthens

Thanksgiving Fitness Frenzy: Savor the Flavor, Not the Guilt

As the holiday season approaches, many of us dread the inevitable weight gain that comes with it. But fear not! With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without sacrificing your fitness goals.

The Importance of Mindset

Let’s get real – no single workout can undo the damage of a entire day of overeating. Instead of using exercise as a way to “earn” dessert, focus on the mental benefits of physical activity. Research shows that exercise can clear your head, boost your mood, and reduce stress. So, if a Thanksgiving sweat session makes you feel good, go for it! Just remember, a workout fueled by guilt is no bueno.

Sneaky Ways to Burn Calories

You don’t need to dedicate an hour to a gym session to get moving. Try incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, like doing calf raises while you stuff the turkey or tightening your abs while you chop veggies. Every bit counts! Here are some everyday activities that can help you burn calories:

• Pushing a shopping cart: 135 calories
• Cooking: 93 calories
• Standing in line (or at the kitchen counter?): 47 calories
• Light prep work: 56 calories

7 Ways to Trim the Fat from Your Feast

Healthy eating is just as important as fitness when it comes to weight management. Here are some tips to lighten up your Thanksgiving menu:

• Skip the frying and opt for roasted meat instead
• Reach for the white meat – it has fewer calories than dark meat
• Def skip the super fatty skin
• Save the sweet tooth for dessert and skip the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes
• Use smaller plates to control portion sizes
• Pass the bread and opt for healthier sides
• Mind the gravy – those extra calories can add up quickly!

4 Thanksgiving Workouts to Rev Your Metabolism

Get moving with these four workouts designed to help you feel energized and focused throughout the holiday season.

Workout 1: 5 Rounds for 5 Helpings

Do 5 sets of the following:

• 15 sit-ups
• 30 double-unders (or regular jump ropes)
• 15 air squats
• 30 double-unders (or regular jump ropes)

Workout 2: Wing Torcher

Complete 1 round by doing all 5 exercises 7 times without putting down the barbell. Aim for 5 total rounds, resting after each round.

• 1 power clean
• 1 front squat
• 1 push press
• 1 back squat
• 1 push press

Workout 3: Feast-to-Beasts Mode

Partner up and take turns performing these exercises for 30 seconds each:

• Jumping jacks
• Wall sits
• Push-ups
• Crunches
• Step-ups
• Squats
• Tricep dips
• Planks
• High knees
• Lunges
• Push-ups with rotation
• Side planks

Workout 4: Turkey Day Tabata

Hop off the gravy train and make room for more with 2 rounds of the following:

• Tabata burpees (20 seconds)
• Rest (10 seconds)
• Tabata weighted sit-ups (20 seconds)
• Rest (10 seconds)
• Tabata kettlebell swings (20 seconds)
• Rest (10 seconds)
• Tabata burpees (20 seconds)
• Rest (10 seconds)

The Holiday Wrap-Up

Set your alarm, squeeze in a workout, and dive into your Thanksgiving feast! Remember, the holidays are a great time to give thanks for what your body can do. So, focus on feeling good, not guilty, and enjoy every bite of that delicious turkey dinner.