Healthy Activities to Burn Off Calories Thanksgiving Weekend

Every Thanksgiving, the same scene repeats itself all over American households and the next day, there are regrets from the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie inhaled at the dinner table. This year, spend Thanksgiving weekend moving your body and burning off those calories.

Turkey Trot - A 5k Race

Cities around the United States frequently hold a 5 kilometer race the weekend after Thanksgiving. With silly names, such as the turkey trot, these family jogging events sometimes include a 1k fun run where strollers are allowed. For turkey trots in Texas, check out Run On!'s event calendar and for 5k races in other cities, consult Google or your local sporting goods store.

Early Morning Black Friday Shopping

The Friday after Thanksgiving is typically billed as the biggest shopping day of the year. It is called Black Friday because it is the first day where stores make a profit. It is also a good way to get up and move. Some stores even open at midnight on the Friday to take advantage of the night owls amongst us and others simply open at 5 AM. Regardless, it is better than sitting around drinking beer and watching football. Or maybe not, if you have ever seen those crowds.

Ski Areas Open for the Season

Thanksgiving weekend is very important to skiers and snowboarders for reasons that don't relate to food. It is also the opening day of ski season in many areas! Skiing and snowboarding is great exercise and you can spend some quality time waxing your skis in the garage on Thanksgiving itself if you need time away from your mother-in-law.

Catch Up on Sleep

Recent studies have shown that overtired people do not lose as much weight as well rested people and lets face it, Americans are largely overtired. This Thanksgiving, make a commitment to yourself and your health by sleeping a full eight hours a night.

Hiking Through the Woods

Bundle up the kids and take a late fall walk through the fallen leaves. If hiking is too strenuous an activity, local parks frequently have paved walking trails for enjoying a little nature and your family's company.

Ice Skating

As soon as the malls open, so do the mall ice skating rinks. Skating rinks have open skate times and ice skating rentals for those without their own skates.

Watch Football from the Treadmill

Football fans should know that gyms have lots of televisions and they are frequently above the treadmills and elliptical machines. For the adventurous, drag the treadmill out of the attic and attach a computer for a walking workstation.

Whatever activity happens the weekend after Thanksgiving, the goal is to get off the couch and get moving.