Kick Off Your Monday with a Pre-Thanksgiving Workout!

It’s almost Thanksgiving and many of us are busy finishing up projects at work, traveling to see family, or planning to cook for the big day. Make the time this Monday for some pre-holiday physical activity!

Here are some quick ideas, for all fitness levels, to get your heart pumping when you have a limited amount of time.

Low-Intensity – Do a Monday Mile! Take the family dog and fit in 2,000 steps (a mile). It’s great for your heart, bones, and mood. Getting moving will also boost your energy levels, not to mention, help you digest!

Medium-Intensity – Play Ball! If there are kids and teens around or merely willing and able adults, grab a football, a soccer ball, or a Frisbee, and play outside. You’ll be getting some cardio and having fun.

High Intensity – Try High-Intensity Interval Training (H.I.I.T.) for the Holidays! Take over the living room and do some H.I.I.T. for 20 minutes. Need a suggestion? Try some lunges, squats, jumping jacks, and push-ups. Do each exercise for 20 seconds, and then rest for 10 seconds. Do three circuits.

Researchers have found doing vigorous exercise can increase metabolic rates for as much as 14 hours afterward, which means you’ll still be burning calories long after you fit in a workout.

Use Monday to fit in quick workouts while spending quality time with your family and friends. It will pay off by alleviating stress and enhancing your mental well-being. Happy Thanksgiving!

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