Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s when I really take the day off, hang with my family, laugh, play games, and relax. I know most of us love all of the above but let’s face it…we’re more excited about gorging our faces with multiple servings of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pie. I’m not for pigging out but I know how delicious the dishes are on this holiday (my mom makes the most amazing stuffing…hands down!). So if you plan on stuffing face all day long and consuming, what the news has reported, well over 3,000 calories in one sitting, then working out is a MUST!
Here’s a quick and effective workout to do before and after your feasting marathon:
Blast the Calories with Cardio: 20 minute treadmill workout
3 min 5.0 – 6.0 speed at 5.0 incline
2 min 6.0 – 6.5 speed at 8.0 incline
1 min 6.0 speed at 3.0 incline
2 min 7.0 – 11.0 speed at 3.0 incline
1 min 4.5 – 5.0 speed at 3.0 incline
2 min 5.0 – 6.0 speed at 6.0 incline
2 min 6.0 – 7.0 speed at 8.0 incline
1 min 6.5 – 7.0 speed at 1.0 incline
1 min 7.5 – 11.0 speed at 1.0 incline
1 min 3.5 – 4.5 speed at 1.0 incline
2 min 6.0 – 7.5 speed at 3.0 incline
1 min 5.5 – 6.5 speed at 1.0 incline
1 min 4.0 speed at 1.0 incline
*Please modify by decreasing speed only when needed.
Blast the Belly with Core Work: 3 sets back to back
1. Elbow Plank to Hand Plank: 1 minute total
Stay in elbow plank for the first 30 seconds then press up into hand plank for another 30 seconds.
2. TRX Mountain Climbing: check out my post for instructions. Can also be performed without TRX.
3. Alternate leg raises: 20 reps on each leg
Support your neck with your hands then press your lower back into the floor to lift your shoulders up. Lower one leg down then switch legs.
4. Elbow to side plank: 10x each side
Start in elbow plank. Shift your weight onto your right side, stacking your feet into side plank. Then go back to elbow plank and switch to the left side.
5. Hand plank reverse crunch on stability ball: 15 reps
Set up in hand plank with your shins on a stability ball. Perform a reverse crunch by rolling the ball towards your chest while keeping your shoulders on top of the wrists. Extend your legs and repeat.
Let’s get to work! Work hard, burn those calories, and enjoy your Thanksgiving meal…guilt free! Have a happy one!