Working out around Thanksgiving can be as difficult as turning down a second helping of turkey.
Let’s face it, the holidays are not about working out, they are about eating. Celebrating (and sometimes arguing) with family, stuffing your face with home cooked meals, and sleeping late are some of the perks of the holiday season.
The downside to all this of course, is our fitness. Even if we have an established fitness routine in place, one amazing holiday meal can derail us for good. First you skip the gym for a few days after because you’re out of town, and then before you know it you have given up on your body for the entire winter season.
READ MORE: How to Actually Enjoy the Holidays
Not today, I say! I am all for taking a break sometimes, but if you really want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you shouldn’t ever really stop exercising. I do think it’s okay to pare it down though, so if you can squeeze in any physical fitness at all during the holidays, it will probably be enough to keep your mind in the right place and make it easier to fall back into your routine after all the stuffing has been eaten and family has gone home. Here are five easy exercises you can do pretty much anywhere.
Squats– Squats are always a great exercise because they strengthen your lower half, and the stronger all those muscles are, the more calories you burn on an everyday basis. Not to mention, they keep your butt looking right. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, keep weight on your heels, and lower yourself into a sitting position until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Return to start and squeeze your glutes.
Pushups- Whether you are doing them from your toes or knees, pushups are a really good upper body exercise and can be done pretty much everywhere.
Lunges- Lunges are also great for the lower body, and (even though it may look a little silly) you can do them around a walking park, with friends or family. Start with your feet together, and then take a big step with one leg. Lower your other leg until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, and return to start. Rinse and repeat.
Chair dips- Tricep chair dips can be accomplished using any old (sturdy) chair. Sit on the chair with your hands near your hips, extend your legs, and lower your body until your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle.
Wall sits- This is sort of a modified squat, but its pretty hard to do. Get into a squat position with your back against the wall. Make sure your thighs are parallel to the ground. And sit there for one minute. It’s harder than it looks.
If you can manage to do this short workout at one or more points after Thanksgiving, it should keep your mind on the prize, and your body in decent shape, even if you eat your weight in green bean casserole.