It’s my favorite time of year! As much as I enjoy all the treats from Halloween to New Year’s Eve, I always try to keep my health a priority. It’s all about balance, in my opinion. You can totally enjoy that piece of pumpkin pie (or even two), just try this Pre-Thanksgiving workout ahead of time! I’ve combined cardio and strength moves to create an amazing full-body workout that’s super effective for this time of year.
Guidelines
Cardio and Strength: 3 Rounds Total
1 Round = 5 Sets of 10 Moves (5 Cardio Moves, 5 Strength Moves)
One Minute per Move
The Sets
Set 1
JUMPING JACKS
Start with your feet together and arms by your side. Bend your knees and jump, landing with your feet wider than shoulder distance apart and your arms straight above your head. Jump again to return to starting position.
SQUAT WITH AN OVERHEAD PRESS
Start with feet parallel, a little wider than shoulder distance apart (keeping your energy in your heels), chest open with arms open at a 90-degree angle. Bend your knees (like you’re sitting back in a chair) as you straighten your arms above your head, then return to neutral.
Set 2
HIGH KNEES WITH ARMS STRAIGHT
Keep your arms straight at shoulder level (holding them strong throughout) and keep your core strong as you alternate bringing your right and left knee up to hip-level (as if running in place).
LUNGES WITH BICEP CURL
Start with your feet parallel, with feet wide enough to keep your energy in your right heel and right knee (protecting your knees is the most important focus point during this exercise). Go into a bending lunge with your right leg in front and bicep curl with your elbows into your torso and palms up. Straighten your arms as your legs straighten back up. Repeat with left leg forward.
Set 3
CRISS CROSS JUMPS
Start with your hands on hips and feet parallel, a little wider than shoulder-distance apart. Bend your knees and jump, landing with your right foot in front, then jump again alternating your left foot in front (crisscrossing your feet back and forth).
SUMO SQUAT WITH UPWARD ROW
Stand with your feet wider than shoulder distance apart and turned outwards (keeping energy in your heels at all times). Hold onto a kettle bell with both hands. Bend your knees and your bend elbows upwards while pulling the kettle bell. Engage the shoulders to maximize the movement.
Set 4
MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
In a plank position with your hands under your shoulders, engage your obliques as you twist, lifting one knee at a time, aiming for your opposite shoulder Go as fast as you can.
CURTSY LUNGES WITH A CHEST SQUEEZE
Start with your feet parallel, wider than shoulder distance apart, arms open 90-degrees with weights up by your head. Bend your knees, crossing behind with your left, land on the ball of your left foot as you bring your arms in front of your face (engaging your chest). Go back to your starting position, then alternate to the left side with your right leg crossing behind.
Set 5
SUPERMAN IN THE X POSITION
Lay on your stomach with arms and legs straight out in an “X” position. Lift up your arms and legs, engaging everything together, then release back down into the starting position.
PLANK ALTERNATING HANDS
Start in a plank position on the balls of your feet with arms and legs straight (hands under your shoulders). Don’t tuck your chin to your chest. Alternate your weight onto your forearms (right, left, right, left) then alternate your leading arm to your left. Keep switching from right to left.
Find all the perfect performance pieces for your Pre-Thanksgiving workout right here.
Ashley Godby, Fabletics Master
