While the holidays usually bring us joy, they also tend to bring up the numbers on the scale. Thanksgiving is a holiday full of great food and great company, a time to enjoy yourself. However, you might be feeling a bit of post-Thanksgiving guilt after indulging in that third piece of pumpkin pie this year.

While most people, even with major over indulgence, don’t gain more than a half a pound from their Thanksgiving feast, it is still important to tackle the pounds before they start to add up. After all, Christmas is just around the corner. Rid yourself of the guilt and excess weight this year by checking out this perfect post-Thanksgiving workout.

Post-Thanksgiving Tips

1. One of the best types of workouts that you can engage in during the holidays is a HIIT workout. HIIT workouts are great for building muscle and burning fat. While you may be tempted to focus on the cardio this holiday season, remember that the more muscle you have, the more resting calories your body burns from a day to day basis.
2. When you are at the gym, try to not let more than 30 seconds to a minute pass in between your sets. The aim is to keep your heart rate elevated for most of your workout.
3. Find a workout buddy. Having someone to hold you accountable and vice versa is really helpful for sticking to your routine, especially during the holidays. Grab a family member or a good friend and hit the gym.
4. Avoid excuses. The holidays are a really easy time to make excuses. Try to avoid the holiday and cold weather excuses and make a commitment to yourself to keep up a healthy routine this year.
5. We know that solo workouts aren’t everyone’s first choice, and if that’s the case, then that’s okay, you can come check out our group workout classes in Arlington here at Fitness Nation. Choose from our varied 15 different classes that are full of fun, motivation, support, energy, and most importantly, calorie burning and muscle building moves.

Post-thanksgiving Workout

1. Warm up with some cardio
   Start your workout with a 10-minute warm up on the treadmill. Keep it to a fast walk for the first few minutes and gradually move up to medium pace that gets your heart rate up just a bit. If you would rather not jog or run, crank up the incline and keep it at a fast walk, this can be just as effective as running.
2. Squats
   Squats are amazing for a lower body workout. They target muscles such as your glutes, hamstrings, quads, hips, lower back, calves, and even your abs. If you want to build up your muscles, add some weight to the mix. If you are wanting to up your heart rate and increase the cardio, try jumping squats. 3 sets of 20 to 30 reps should do the trick.
3. Lunges
   Lunges are another really great exercise for your lower body. They mostly work your glutes and hamstrings. There are a lot of different types of lunges you can try. We like walking weighted lunges, jumping lunges, and stationary weighted lunges. Again, incorporate 3 sets of 20 to 30 reps.
4. Planks
   Planks are really wonderful for a core workout and strengthen almost your entire body. Incorporate normal planks as well as side planks to target your entire core. Hold each for 30 seconds.
5. Push-ups
   Although pushups may seem basic, it doesn’t change the fact that they are great for your body. You use a multitude of muscles with the up and down motions. Incorporate 3 sets of 10 – 30 reps into your workout.
6. Cool Down

Head back over to the treadmill for a cool down. Walk on an incline at a decently quick pace for the first 7 minutes and gradually slow down just a bit for the final 3 minutes.

After these Thanksgiving tips and workouts are implemented, you are guaranteed to feel less guilty about your prior turkey and stuffing indulgence. Remember the importance of staying active for more than just your physical appearance, but for a healthy heart, body, and mind. Head over to our fitness gym in Arlington and discover a place full of energy, motivation, and good vibes. The team at Fitness Nation looks forward to seeing you this holiday season.