Quick Thanksgiving Day Cardio Workouts

If you're like most folks, you're preparing for the Thanksgiving festivities.  In the midst of travels, meal planning, and entertaining family, a workout may be the last thing on your list of to-dos.  It doesn't have to be though.  High intensity training (HIT) or high intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great way to burn extra calories before, during, and after turkey day.  

HIIT training has been used for years for the elite athlete but is now making headway in mainstream America.  The idea behind HIIT training is to work your heart at its maximum effort for a short period of time, rest, then repeat. Your body has to respond to increased energy demands plus your heart has to work hard to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. The end result is that you get an intense workout in a short period of time without the time investment of a long 5-mile run.  A great benefit to HIIT training is that your metabolism is in high gear for up to 72-hours after your workout.  This means that a small slice of cake won't set you back for months!  There are so many reasons to make HIIT part of your weekly workout program and it's especially important before holiday meals.  

Here's a quick HIIT program for you to try:

• Warm-up. 5-10 minute walk or light jog

• Run fast for 1 minute

• Rest for 1 minute

• Repeat the run/rest interval 5-7 times

• Cool down for 5-10 minutes, include stretching

All done!  This workout should take between 20-35 minutes and yes, you have time to do it.  If you want to add some power moves try this workout I created for time-pressed folks. I recommend that you get up before the crowd on Wednesday or Thursday morning and get it done!  As an added bonus, do this workout 1-2 days after Thanksgiving for additional HIIT benefits.  Of course I can't end this post without saying to wear your fitness tracker and be sure to get "credit" for all the running around you're doing.  

Happy Thanksgiving!