4 Day-After-Thanksgiving Workout Ideas to Get Back in Gear After the Big Meal

We’ve pulled together a list of 4 non-traditional Thanksgiving workouts to get your heart rate up with those you love the most.

Chances are you’ve navigated freeways, airports and a lot of idle waiting by the time you finally sit down for Thanksgiving dinner each year. It’s all for a great cause (the expression of gratitude, togetherness, and mmm… turkey) but for many of us, traveling means you’ve been cooped up and are feeling a little less energetic than you’d like (thanks, tryptophan).

top image: @baiwood_

4 Easy Thanksgiving Workouts

Luckily, this time of year there are tons of fun thanksgiving workouts. Here are four of my favorites:

1. Take a Stroll

Going for a stroll before or after dinner is one of the easiest ways to squeeze in a Thanksgiving workout. If you’re traveling, you can use this time to explore somewhere new. Whether it’s a small town or a big city, there are plenty of new adventures waiting. If you’re staying local, why not let another family member decide where you go? Perhaps you’ll see something new!

image: @samanthaporter__

3. A Competitive Tradition

Whether it’s tossing the ol’ pigskin around or trying a new activity, get a group together for a friendly but competitive thanksgiving workout. My husband and father-in-law have this tradition of playing tennis together every year after dinner. As a novice, I joined them one year and my obliques hurt for days! Not a tennis fan? That’s fine, you can play whatever works for your crew!

3. Turkey Trot

Turkey trots are one of our all-time favorite family traditions. My husband and I have done them almost every year since we got together. It’s always so much fun, plus it has the added bonus of making you extra hungry (hello, leftovers). No matter if you’re a first-timer or a veteran, it’s a great experience for all.

image: @travelsofsarahfay

4. Embrace the Chill

Practically every town and city has a frozen lake or man-made rink for ice skating. Our rink is definitely fake here in LA, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. Trust me, the smiles on all of our faces are practically glued on. I secretly love that skating gives me an excuse to hold hands with my kids because, like me, they’re still figuring this slippery ice stuff out.