Finding Fitness at Thanksgiving
By Brandi Goodman
The holiday months are often filled with fattening foods, sugary desserts, and enough treats to last a lifetime. People use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge and avoid getting exercise with all they have on their to-do lists. Finding fitness at Thanksgiving provides a way to help burn some of the calories consumed and get the exercise your body so desperately needs.
Take an Early Morning Run
Before all the cooking needs to begin, get up and go for an early morning run. Go on your own or have everyone in the family go. Even just a jog around the block can do the body good. It will help to stretch out the joints and have them flexible and capable to tackle all of the chores you'll need to get done throughout the day. Just be sure to drink water before you go.
Play Touch Football
Football and Thanksgiving tend to go hand-in-hand for many families. Rather than just watch the big game on TV, get outside and play a game of your own. Touch football with the family is a great way to encourage bonding and fitness.
Try Yoga
The holidays can be stressful. With family in town, all the tasks you need to accomplish, and no time for yourself, it can be difficult to decompress. Try yoga. The activity can help to ease your mind, improve your mood, stretch your body, and allow you some exercise time that burns calories and gets your heart working.
Turn Up the Music
Sitting around after a heavy meal can lead to everyone falling asleep. Instead of letting yourself feel so sluggish and slow, turn up the music. Turn your Thanksgiving festivities into a family dance party. Ask your partner to dance. Get the kids up and moving to a fun song. You can pump up your party by adding some tunes and get fit in the process.
Head Out for Shopping
After the meal is over and guests have gone home, you might want to consider heading out for some shopping. Shopping provides great exercise. Check which stores will be open. Many start their Black Friday sales early and open Thanksgiving evening. You'll get to exercise as you shop for savings and get a head start on your gift purchasing.
Thanksgiving is a time for family but it can also be a time for fitness. Have everyone get outside or even stay indoors where there's space so you can all enjoy some quality exercise time that gets your body moving and calories burning.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.