Thanksgiving Day Workouts
Most people dream about turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner. But few think about working out on Thanksgiving Day.
Reasons To Do Something Active On Thanksgiving Day:
Caloric Balance
It’s estimated that the average American will consume 5000+ calories on Thanksgiving Day. Take some time to burn some of those calories and proactively offset the additional intake.
Energy
Movement creates energy, so you’ll feel better and be ready to conquer all the festivities.
Stress Relief
The holidays can be stressful planning all the activities and managing family dynamics. Working out will help release those happy-go-lucky endorphins and better enable you to manage any stressful situations.
Nutrition
Studies show that people often make better choices and are less likely to over-indulge after they workout. It puts you in the right frame of mind and reminds you that your health is important and you’re not going to counteract all your hard work with an all-day gorge.
Joints
Since most people retreat to the couch after being too stuffed to move and the only activity most people do on Thanksgiving is the walk from the kitchen to the TV, joints can become achy and tight from the lack of movement. Remember that motion is lotion and your whole body will feel better if you take the time to move on Thanksgiving Day.
Here’s some local ways to get in your Thanksgiving workout:
FREE Workout for Your Soul
Northwest Personal Training at 1011 Broadway in Downtown Vancouver is offering a FREE ‘Workout for your Soul’ Cardio and Muscle Conditioning class for the community on Thanksgiving morning from 9am-10am. They are just asking that you bring some non-perishable donations for SHARE shelter. Call 360.574.7292 to reserve your spot and if you have any questions. All levels are welcome.
Turkey Trot
The Clark County Food Bank is hosting their annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K on Thanksgiving morning. Details at https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/turkey-trot
Get Bold Events…
…is offering a FREE Thanksgiving Day 5K or 10K Run/Walk along the beautiful Lewis River starting at 9am on Thanksgiving morning. They are just asking for non-perishable donations to North County Food Bank. The starting point is at 23100 NE Hantwick Rd, Yacolt, WA.
Local Gyms
Call your favorite local gym to check for Thanksgiving hours and class times. Many are open for limited hours.
Head Outdoors
Go for a walk, run, bike ride or beautiful autumn hike. Clark County offers many local trails to enjoy with your friends and family.
A Little Bit Here And There!
You may not be motivated or have the time to do a full workout, but if you look for quick and easy ways to burn a few calories throughout the day, it can really add up.
While you’re making dinner, do 10 squats, 10 pushups or 10 Tricep dips while you’re waiting.
Suggest to your family that before desert is served, everyone go for a beautiful walk around the neighborhood.
Plan some fun activities while you allow your body to process your meal. For example, plan a fun game of charades, break out an active video game, or perhaps a quick game of basketball, flag football or tag will provide some fun active quality time with your friends and family.
If you’ve got family visiting, workout first thing in the morning before people wake up or better yet, inspire them to workout with you!
Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for each of you and allowing me the opportunity to inspire you to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle and live your best life!
Yours in health and fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.