Simple Workout to Burn Off Thanksgiving Dinner

After the food has been eaten and the dishes all cleaned, you don't want to be left with the guilty feeling that you over-indulged. To help you get rid of those extra calories, Fitness Magazine has designed a week-long walking routine to help you burn off approximately 1,300 calories. Now you can enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner knowing that after all of the shopping on Black Friday you will be on the fast track to burning off the mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

Here is the walking plan, as suggested by Fitness Magazine:

Monday

Upper Body Shapers-

Snow Angel: Upper body exercises are needed twice a week in order to burn calories and tone muscle. To do the Body Shaper, you will need 3 or 5 pound dumbbells and hold one in each hand, feet positioned hip-width apart. Bend the knees slightly, then lean forward to create a 45 degree angle at the hips. With the dumbbells in front of the knees and palms facing inward, lift the dumbbells up and out, just as you would when creating a snow angel. Do 8 to 10 repetitions, 2 to 3 sets each.

Three-Legged Crab: Sit down on the floor, arms and palms beside the hips and knees bent. Make sure the hands are flat on the ground with fingers pointing towards your feet. Raise yourself off the ground, using your feet and hands to keep your balance. Raise one leg up into the air, simultaneously lowering the body down to the floor, but not all the way. Rise up once again and switch legs. Do 8 repetitions with 2 to 3 sets.

Tuesday

Briskly walk for 45 minutes, aiming for 4 mph or more, if possible. If you need to build stamina, break up the walk into three segments, each 15 minutes and at least 1 mph.

Wednesday

Burn and Firm Workout-

Intervals are a great way to boost the calorie burn in any workout. With the Burn and Firm Workout, start out with a casual pace (20 minutes for each mile) and continue that pace for 4 minutes. Pick up a brisk pace (15 minute mile) for 5 minutes and incorporate toning moves into the walk. Extend the right foot forward, landing heel first on the ground. Push off with the heel and step forward with the left heel, landing heel first again. Walk on the heels for 1 minute between the brisk walking intervals.

Thursday

Repeat the brisk walk (45 minutes-4 miles) and do 2 to 3 sets of the Essential Upper Body Shapers

Friday

Off

Saturday

Repeat the Burn and Firm Workout for 45 minutes

Sunday

Brisk walk for one hour at a 4 mph pace, or break up the walking into two segments, each 30 minutes.

Source: Fitness Magazine