‘Tis the season to get stuffed! Thanksgiving is the beginning of the annual holiday feast-ivities! While the season is joyful and the food is delicious, the calories may be daunting. Maybe you are on a strict regimen you don’t want to cheat or you just aren’t looking forward to the extra calories, we have got you covered!
This HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workout is a quick way to stay active during the biggest feast of the year! Repeat this entire sequence for a 10-minute workout. Whether you’re glued to the oven or the Thanksgiving football game, here are some simple exercises to get your body moving before (or after) you get stuffed!
- Burpees (45 seconds)
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
- Squat down keeping your back straight and jump up with your arms raised straight above you. Make sure you land on the balls of your feet to ease the impact.
- Once you land, squat down to place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart. Jump your legs out behind you into a push-up position. Your ankles and head should be in line with each other.
- Lower your body with your arms, keeping your body straight. Push your body back up by straightening your arms.
- Jump your feet next your hands and rise up into a squat position.
- Repeat for 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds.
- Bicycle Kicks (45 seconds)
- Lay on your back with your legs extended out straight in front of you. Keep your arms beside your body with palms facing down. Use a yoga mat if you would like cushion underneath you.
- Bring your left knee towards your chest while keeping your right leg extended in front of you, but slightly lifted off the ground. Keep both legs off the ground throughout the exercise.
- Bring your right knee towards your chest and extend your left leg in front of you. Do not let your left leg touch the ground.
- Repeat for 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds.
- Lunge Jumps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Step your left leg forward into a lunge. Make sure your calf is straight above your ankle, forming a 90-degree angle with your calf and thigh. Your right leg should be in a 90-degree angle as well with your right shin parallel to the ground.
- Slightly deepen your lunge to jump straight up. On the way down, switch your legs so you land in a lunge with your right leg forward and left leg back.
- Repeat for 45 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds.
- Mountain Climbers
- Begin on your hands and knees. Extend your legs straight back and your arms should be fully extended. Similar to a push-up position, but your hips are raised slightly so your back is parallel to the ground. Don’t hang your head down, keep your focus a few inches above your hands.
- Bring your left knee towards your chest, keeping your form. Extend leg back down.
- Bring your right knee towards your chest, keeping your form. Extend leg back down.
- Repeat for 45 seconds and then rest for 15.
- Jumping Jacks
Tip: If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, hold a pair of dumbbells while you jump.
Tip: If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, wear a resistance band around your thighs.
Tip: For a bigger challenge, wear ankle weights for more resistance.
- Stand with your feet together and your arms by your side.
- Bend your knees slightly and jump up. As you jump, raise your arms from the side, your palms should be facing forward. Simultaneously, your legs should separate to land with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.
- After landing with your feet separated and your arms up, bend and jump again. Lower your arms back to your side while simultaneously closing your legs. Land with your feet together and your arms by your side, just as you started.
- Repeat for 45 seconds and rest for 15.
Tip: For a bigger challenge, wear a weighted vest for more resistance.
Repeat this entire sequence once more from the beginning!