Pre- and Post-Thanksgiving Workout

Thanksgiving, and the holiday season, seems like a weight-gain trap. Instead of depriving yourself from the delicious meal, boost your metabolism to burn fat and calories.

The average American consumes 3,000 calories during Thanksgiving dinner, according to ACE Fitness. Add in the appetizers and other meals throughout the day and you’re looking at a caloric intake that’s about 4,500 to 5,000 calories. In one day you’ve gained 1 to 2 pounds—3,500 calories equals 1 pound of fat, according to the American Society for Nutrition. And don’t forget about all the left overs; that’s just screaming more calories.

Thanksgiving, and the holiday season, seems like a weight-gain trap. Instead of depriving yourself from the delicious meal, boost your metabolism to burn fat and calories.

This workout focuses on bodyweight exercises, so you can take this routine anywhere. You’ll move in all planes of motion. Plus, there are modifications for all fitness levels. You’ll target your endurance muscles, so avoid long breaks and keep the tempo up.

Have a question about any of the following moves?

The average American consumes 3,000 calories during Thanksgiving dinner, according to ACE Fitness. Add in the appetizers and other meals throughout the day and you’re looking at a caloric intake that’s about 4,500 to 5,000 calories. In one day you’ve gained 1 to 2 pounds—3,500 calories equals 1 pound of fat, according to the American Society for Nutrition. And don’t forget about all the left overs; that’s just screaming more calories.

Thanksgiving, and the holiday season, seems like a weight-gain trap. Instead of depriving yourself from the delicious meal, boost your metabolism to burn fat and calories.

This workout focuses on bodyweight exercises, so you can take this routine anywhere. You’ll move in all planes of motion. Plus, there are modifications for all fitness levels. You’ll target your endurance muscles, so avoid long breaks and keep the tempo up.

Have a question about any of the following moves?

Warm-Up

Hip Flexor Stretches

Squats (20 times)

Side Lunges (8 times each)

Walk Outs With Push-Ups

Do a slow push-up, raise your chest slow from the ground, and raise yourself back into plant position. Then, walk your hands back to your toes and raise yourself up to stand.

Hip Flexor Stretches: 30 seconds on each side

Lower yourself to one knee. Maintaining a straight line from your shoulder, hip and knee, lean back. Do not force this stretch because the hip flexors are very tight and could be overstretched.

Squats: 20 Times

The best way to perform a squat is to act like you are sitting in a chair. The minimum range of motion is

usually 90 degrees but if you can go lower than that then go for it.

Side Lunges: 8 Times Each

Start with your feet hip-width apart and set your right leg out directly to the side as far as you can. Keep your trail leg straight, bend and lean over your right leg, and your hands outstretched for balance. Bring your right foot back to under your hips and repeat the

movement on the other leg. Do 10 on the other side.

For more steps and details on each workout featured above, see the full article from Active.com here