Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to connect with family and friends.Enjoy your favorite recipesAndnew traditions begin. If you’ve been working hard to get in shape this year, the holiday weekend also presents a great opportunity to do soShare your active lifestyle with your loved ones.
But it’s difficult to destroy the desire to graze or sit around all day with a trip to the gym or a jog around the block. So be creative. Here are eight non-food ways to connect with your people and burn calories on Turkey Day.
HAVE A FIELD DAY
Everyone loves field day, especially when the family is particularly competitive. Ignite friendly rivalries and get your heart rate pumping with a series of active games and challenges before heading out for dinner. Think: obstacle courses, balance games, relay races with eggs and spoons, even musical chairs or tug of war. “It can literally be anything that gets people moving and having fun, so feel free to adapt the activities to suit your own family’s needs,” he says Alex Parrycertified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach.
PLAY TEAM SPORTS
‘Tis the season for touch football—and for good reason: “Exercise is one of the best ways to get more activity and exercise, and friendly competition can be a great way for a family to bond and learn to work together,” says TJ Mentus, certified personal trainer atGarage Gym Reviews. Go to the local park or backyard and choose a sport that is accessible to anyone who wants to participate. Are there a few to consider that only require a few supplies? Basketball, slow-pitch softball, soccer, wiffleball, kickball, volleyball or badminton.
SAY THANK YOU WITH GRATITUDE YOGA
Why not bring a little movement into your room? Gratitude practice? To do this, host a group yoga session, either in person (look for events near you!) or online (YouTube and many apps offer many). free coursesavailable to trained yogis), saysMonica Straitha certified personal trainer. With each inhale (at least the first few breaths of each pose), think of something you are grateful for. With each exhale, release any negative energy. At the end of the session, take time to reflect on all your blessings and fill yourself with positive energy.
Take a hike
Connect with nature, breathe more relaxed and enjoy the crisp autumn weather on a hike with family and friends. “You can choose flat terrain for a leisurely walk or find a mountain to climb to burn more calories,” says Jody Braverman, certified personal trainer. To make it a special tradition, consider a hike with memorable sights like a panoramic view or waterfalls. Another fun thing: “The last person down the hill has to clean up after Thanksgiving dinner,” Braverman says.
GO ICE SKATING
Sure, it’s still a little early for the ice skating season, but this could work in your favor: there’s more space for you and your people to enjoy the rink! “Whether outside or inside, one of my favorite things to do during the holidays is ice skating,” says Braverman. “For a few dollars, you can rent a pair of skates and get a good lower-body workout. Plus, you’ll work your core muscles while laughing at your friends and family trying to stay upright on the ice.”
Take a pop-up group fitness class
Something you might not know if you don’t go to the gym regularly? “Many gyms and churches host free Thanksgiving workouts in return for a food donation,” he saysCarrie Halla certified personal trainer. You can give back and get a free welding session all in one place. To find out your options for group fitness classes, visit your area’s events page or call your local gym.
Go on a turkey-themed scavenger hunt
For an activity the kids will love, plan a Turkey Day-themed scavenger hunt. “You can hide several paper turkeys around the house and have everyone search for them, with a prize being given out to the winner at the end,” he saysJohn Gardnercertified personal trainer and online fitness coach. “To make it extra active, add a small fitness exercise on the back of each turkey, such as 10 jumping jacks or 10 squats.”
Take part in a turkey trot
For a tradition that could help you stay active in the weeks and months leading up to Thanksgiving, consider signing up for a turkey trot. “These are often suitable for all ages and all activity levels, with distances ranging from toddler sprints to 10km,” says Hall. Pro Tip: “Be sure to pre-register to receive Thanksgiving gifts.” Join a walking or running group to prepare for the big day or to keep you going long after the holidays.
THE CONCLUSION
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be just about the food. ToIncrease your step countSpend a nice time together, start a new family tradition to live more together.
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Originally published November 2021
The post 8 Creative Non-Food Ways to Connect with Your Loved Ones This Thanksgiving appeared first MyFitnessPal Blog.
