Your 24 Day Pre-Thanksgiving Workout Plan

So, you want to be able to enjoy that Thanksgiving Dinner on November 28th, right? You want to be able to sit with your family, carve into that delicious turkey, scoop those potatoes onto your plate without abandon, say "yes" to that second slice of pie, and have a few drinks to celebrate Thanksgiving. We all do.

Unfortunately, it's the least diet-friendly meal of the year. Most of us end up eating far too many helpings of everything, leaving us feeling bloated and exhausted the next day. After a night of drinking, eating, and general merrymaking with your family, the last thing most of us want to do is get in a good workout.

So how can you do it?

Your "Thanksgiving Workout Plan"

Below is what I like to call my "Thanksgiving Workout Plan," the tough exercise program I put myself through every November. By pushing myself extra hard for the first three to four weeks of the month, I can enjoy Thanksgiving without feeling guilty.

Remember, add extra intensity to each workout to burn extra calories! This month, Thanksgiving is on the 28th, so we've got 24 days to workout.

WEEK 1

Day 1: Monday: Cardio. Hit the road, break out the bicycle, or get on the elliptical machine.

Day 2: Tuesday: Stretching/Abs. Stretch those muscles and give your abs the attention they need.

Day 3: Wednesday: Cardio.

Day 4: Thursday: Upper Body Workout. Add your favorite circuit training, HIIT workout, or bodybuilding routine for your upper body.

Day 5: Friday: Cardio. Time to work on your running or cycling, and give your upper body a rest.

Day 6: Saturday: Leg Workout. Give those legs the attention they need!

Day 7: Sunday: Fun Exercise. It's Sunday, so it's a great day for sports, martial arts, rock climbing, paddleboarding, surfing, or any other fun exercise!

WEEK 2

Day 8: Monday: Upper Body Workout.

Day 9: Tuesday: Cardio.

Day 10: Wednesday: Streching/Abs. Focus on stretching out your sore muscles and building your six pack.

Day 11: Thursday: Cardio.

Day 12: Friday: Upper Body Workout.

Day 13: Saturday: Rest. It's Saturday, take a break.

Day 14: Sunday: Sports. Can anyone say "Backyard football"?

WEEK 3

Day 15: Monday: Leg Workout.

Day 16: Tuesday: Upper Body Workout.

Day 17: Wednesday: Cardio.

Day 18: Thursday: Stretching/Abs.

Day 19: Friday: Cardio.

Day 20: Saturday: Rest.

Day 21: Sunday: Fun Workout. Skip the BBQ and head to the sports field, dance studio, or spinning class!

WEEK 4

Day 22: Monday: Upper Body Workout.

Day 23: Tuesday: Cardio.

Day 24: Wednesday: Leg Workout.

Day 25: Thanksgiving: Enjoy the Feast. You've worked hard to get in shape over the last few weeks, so you've earned Turkey Day Dinner. Go ahead and eat, content in the company of your family.

Day 26: Black Friday. Wake up, roll out of bed, and get ready for your 28 days of workouts left until Christmas dinner rolls around! And as you can burn a lot of calories shopping, go out and hit the deals.

20 Ways to Cut Thanksgiving Calories

Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.

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