If you already know your Thanksgiving Day indulgence will carry over into the following days (or if it happens by ‘snack-cident’) putting those calories to work is the way to go.
Many times, we let go of food restrictions on Thanksgiving Day, and with all the leftovers, and the weekend that follows, the indulgence continues. Instead of loading the plates on the bar at the gym, we continue to load our plates in the kitchen.
This is where workout routines take the backseat and leftovers take the wheel.
With that, if you’re concerned about calorie overload not only on Thanksgiving Day but the days to follow, personal trainer Michael Blauner came up with this three-day, calorie-torching workout plan specifically for those who don’t want to choose between Holiday grubbin’ and sweating-it-out in the gym.
Blauner’s full-body workout plan is created to challenge you from head-to-toe leaving you feeling stronger and guilt-free as you put your Thanksgiving calories to work!
The 3-Day Thanksgiving Weekend Workout Plan
Friday
This day consists primarily of bodyweight exercises done in supersets. You’ll need less than an hour for this fast-paced workout, which will leave you feeling like you have more energy coming out than going in.
For most exercises, go 12 to 15 reps, trying to finish each superset in under a minute. For pushups, pullups, and dips, perform as many reps as possible. Do each superset twice, resting only after the second exercise; if you’re feeling ambitious, you may do each superset three times.
Saturday
This will be a hard-and-heavy weight-training session. Blauner says this workout, which focuses on big, powerful motions, will hit every major muscle group in the body.
The goal of this workout is to maximize fatigue, which will lead the body to absorb extra protein, while the sustained elevated metabolism will help burn calories for longer. Once again, your workout will be performed superset-style, 8–12 reps per set. Afterward, indulge and enjoy, knowing that your body is making good use of all those calories.
Sunday
This workout will be less intense than the previous two, leaving you with plenty of energy for going back to work. (You’re welcome.)
Your challenge: Go for a run or hike in the park. If necessary, use a treadmill. Keep a pace of no less than 4mph. For each mile you complete, do two 100-yard all-out sprints (six sprints total). After the workout, you’ll do some basic calisthenics, and stretches of your choice.
The workout should take about an hour, leaving you plenty of time to rest and mentally prepare going back to work.
