So much to eat. So much to drink. So much to celebrate. So much family.
Then it’s over and you feel it. Tired and overloaded.
Personally, the day after Thanksgiving is a time to relax. Sure I coached all the “Turkey Burn”, “Burn the Bird”, “Black Friday” boot camps…over the years. But by then it’s too late. Your body is already out of balance. Then you later in a 90 minute hard core workout and even some shopping madness. One word…
Yuck!
No judgment. If that’s your jam I totally honor it. However, if you’re feeling like this doesn’t really work for you then I’m offering up a solid alternative.
Instead, pregame your Thanksgiving and do a good workout ahead of time. Here are just a few of the benefits:
1-you’ll charge up your metabolism now and that means that your body will have an easier time processing and using the fuel you’ll be packing in during the holiday itself.
2-you’ll get a huge rush of feel good hormones which we can all use a dose of before intense family time. You’ll feel amazing and deeper than that your body will have an easier time staying in rest/relax mode.
3-you’ll boost your immunity which is always a score being around lots of people and germs lol
Here’s a complete pre-game workout. Bonus too…I start and end it with some Qigong (exercise to move your life force energy) to specifically nourish your adrenal glands. Those little guys are responsible for your fight or flight response. So yes, if you get stressed out with the family, the cooking etc. then a boost for your adrenals is key.
After the Qigong warmup, do the following circuit 3 times, resting for a minute between each circuit:
Donkey Kicks (20 each leg)
Horseback Riders (15 each leg)
Body Saws (15)
Tuck In & Outs (15)
Hip Raises (10)
Figure 4 Hip Raises (10 each side)
Dips (15)
Bird Dog (10 each side)
Pushups (10)
Do the following circuit for 3 rounds:
High Knees (30 seconds)
Rest (30 seconds)
Jumping Jacks (30 seconds)
Rest (30 seconds)
Skater Hops (30 seconds)
Rest (30 seconds)
Check out the full workout here: