If you’ve been reading Happy Healthy Mama for a while, you know that I’m not one of those I-never-miss-a-workout-no-matter-what kind of girl. There are plenty of weeks where I have to force myself to stay in a workout groove.
This year, however, I’ve decided I’m going to workout on Thanksgiving morning. I’ve never, ever exercised on Thanksgiving morning. Or any holiday.
So why am I going to get up 15 minutes earlier and get in a sweat session this year? Because I think it’s going to make me feel good. I’m inevitably going to stuff my face with way too many calories. And I’m going to enjoy every minute. But I think having a workout in will take the edge off of my post-dinner food coma. I’m not talking about going on a 15 mile run here (although, if you do that, you are awesome), I’m just talking about a 15 minute HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout.
I can handle 15 minutes. I know my body will be happy and so will my mind. Working out is good for my body, but it’s also great for my mind. When I workout, my mind seems more clear, stress is easier to handle, and I swear I’m a more patient and calm mom.
This is the 15-minute HIIT workout I’ll be doing Thanksgiving morning in case you want to join in and get some exercise in before the festivities you have planned.
15 Minute HIIT Workout for Thanksgiving Morning
Do each exercise for 50 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. Rest 1-2 minutes in between each round. Complete each round 3 times.
1. Spiderman Push-ups
Bring one knee up to your elbow during the down portion of the push up. Keep your obliques tight. Rotate legs, bringing a different knee up each rep.
2. Tricep Dips
Use a chair. Hold the edge of the chair with your hands with your knuckles facing out. You can stretch your legs straight out in front of you, or bend your knees so you are in the position of sitting on a chair. Bend your elbows and dip your body down, about two counts, and then lift yourself up using your arms. Repeat.
3. Mountain Climbers
With your arms in the push up position, bring your knees forward, alternatively, as quickly as you can.
4. Plank Up and Down
Start in a high plank position. Quickly move your right elbow down to the floor and then do the same with your left elbow. Quickly move back up to high plank position, one arm at a time. Continue moving up and down in this fashion.
5. Burpees with a Jump
Start in the standing position. Squat down with your knees bent, then pop your legs out behind you so you are in the push up position. Jump back into the squat position and jump up. Repeat.
Note: Make sure you warm up and cool down properly before and after any workout.
Do you plan on working out this Thanksgiving morning? Do you typically get a workout in on holidays? Leave a comment and let me know. 🙂 I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and weekend! I’ll be back after T-day!
and thats all it takes too to get the metabolism and body pumping. great job!
Thanks Kelsey! 🙂
This looks like an awesome heart-pumping workout! I can’t wait to try it. I will usually go for at least a five mile run the day of Thanksgiving… it makes me feel better when I inevitably stuff my face later and reach for a slice of my aunt’s decadent chocolate peanut butter cheesecake!
This is a great arm workout! I hope you give it a try. 🙂
Totally on board with you for a quick HIIT workout in the morning before stuffing my face!!!