Thanksgiving Weekend Workout Challenge

OK folks! You know about what time it is!

It’s no secret that Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I can read the thoughts in your head about watching what you eat.

But Thanksgiving is about being with family, spending time with loved ones, enjoying everyone’s company. The last thing you need to do is worry about weight gain.

So, TA-DA! Here is your Thanksgiving weekend workout challenge!

Eat until your hearts content.

Here is your Thanksgiving weekend workout challenge – no equipment needed.

EXERCISES (step-by-step)

Wall sit:

Step 1: Place your back flat against the wall.

Step 2: Slowly lower yourself into a squat position. Bring your legs away from the wall if you need to, keep your back flat against the wall.

Step 3: Hold the squat position against the wall for desired amount of time. Stand back up and rest before repeating.

Jumping jacks:

Step 1: Start in a standing position with your arms to your sides.

Step 2: As you jump bring your arms out to the sides then up above your head while bringing your feet wider than your shoulders. Then jump back into starting position. Repeat for the total amount of desired repetitions.

Wall push ups:

Step 1: Stand directly in front of a wall with your toes touching the bottom of the wall. Bend your elbows at a 90 degree angle and place your palms on the wall in front of you.

Step 2: Without moving your upper body take one step back behind you, with both feet, away from the wall. You should now be in a traditional push up position, but against the wall.

Step 3: As you straighten your elbows, push your upper body away from the wall. Do not move your lower body. Slowly bend back at the elbows to bring your chest back towards the wall. Repeat for the total amount of reps.

Plank:

Step 1: Lay down (stomach down) on the floor. Raise your body up by coming onto your toes and forearms (bend your elbows). Your stomach should no longer be touching the floor, your butt should be down, back straight, head in alignment with your spine.

Step 2: Hold this position for the total amount of desired time.

Modification: Also, bend at the knees and keep your knees on the floor. (So knees, toes, and elbows are supporting your body weight).

Advanced: Straighten arms instead of supporting yourself with bent elbows. Lift one leg – keeping it straight- and hold just above the floor

Squats:

Step 1: Stand with feet shoulder width apart, back straight, legs straight, toes pointed out straight in front of you. Place your hands on your hips for balance and support.

Step 2: Slowly bend at the knees and lower your body into a squatting position. Don’t let your knees go past your toes. (Hint: squat down as if you are about to sit in a chair). Repeat for the total amount of desired repetitions.

Butt kicks:

Jog in place, but when your heels kick up behind you, you will overexaggerate and kick them up towards your butt, or as close to it as possible. Repeat for the desired amount of reps or time.

Sit ups:

Step 1: Lay down on your back on the floor or mat. Knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind the base of your neck (for support only).

Step 2: Anchor your feet for support. Using your core (ab) muscles, bring your chest towards your knees, sitting all the way up.

Step 3: Slowly lower yourself back down to the floor to the starting position and repeat for the desired amount of reps.

Advanced: straighten your legs out in front of you without anchoring them and sit up

What’s your favorite thing to do to stay in shape for the holidays?