The Best Post-Thanksgiving Workouts to Stay on Track with Your Weight Loss Goals

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, togetherness, and, yes, indulgence. But after a day (or weekend) of enjoying turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie, you might feel ready to refocus on your weight loss goals. The good news is that staying active after Thanksgiving doesn’t mean spending hours in the gym. The right mix of workouts can help you burn calories, reset your metabolism, and stay motivated.

Here are a few ideas for post-Thanksgiving workouts that can make a difference and keep you energized through the rest of the holiday season.

Take a Morning Walk

After a big Thanksgiving meal, the thought of an intense workout might feel overwhelming. That’s why a brisk morning walk is the perfect starting point. Walking gets your blood flowing, aids digestion, and clears your mind—plus, you can admire the crisp fall scenery.

How to Make it Fun:

• Grab a coffee (or tea) and stroll through your neighborhood or a nearby park.
• Invite a friend or family member to join for some post-holiday catch-up time.
• Add some pep to your step with a playlist or podcast that gets you moving.

Why it Works: Walking is gentle but effective. A 30-minute brisk walk can burn about 150–200 calories, and it’s a great way to ease back into activity without feeling overwhelmed.

Try a Mini Circuit Workout

We get it: You’re busy. There’s holiday shopping, cleaning up after Thanksgiving, and maybe even leftover pie calling your name. That’s where short, high-energy workouts come in.

Try This Quick Circuit (No Equipment Needed):

1. 10 jumping jacks
2. 10 squats
3. 10 push-ups (modify as needed)
4. 10 mountain climbers

Repeat this circuit 3–5 times—it only takes about 15 minutes!

Why it Works: These quick bursts of movement get your heart pumping and help burn calories. Plus, they’re great for boosting your mood if you’re feeling sluggish.

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

Sometimes you need something fun to get moving again. Dancing is a feel-good way to shake off those post-Thanksgiving blues.

Here’s the Plan:

• Put on your favorite playlist (or a nostalgic throwback like ‘90s pop or holiday hits).
• Dance around your living room like you’re at your dream concert.
• No choreography? No problem. Just move however feels good!

Why it Works: Dancing burns calories (up to 300 in 30 minutes) while letting you laugh, de-stress, and feel energized. It’s fitness disguised as fun.

Reset & Recharge with Yoga Flow

Feeling bloated or tired? Yoga is the perfect way to stretch, reset, and reconnect with your body after the holiday feast. It’s also great for reducing stress, which can creep up during the busy holiday season.

Try These Simple Poses:

• Child’s Pose to relax.
• Twisted Chair Pose to aid digestion.
• Downward Dog to stretch your back and legs.
• Cat-Cow Pose to loosen up your core.

Why it Works: Yoga is gentle yet effective for building strength and flexibility while calming your mind. It’s a win-win.

Family Fun: Turn Fitness into Family Fun

Why go it alone? If your family is still around post-Thanksgiving, get everyone involved in some lighthearted activities. Not only is this fun, but it also takes the pressure off “formal” exercise.

Ideas to Try:

• Play a game of touch football or frisbee in the backyard.
• Organize a scavenger hunt for kids and adults alike.
• Do a group workout video together (something silly like dance aerobics is guaranteed to get laughs).

Why it Works: Movement doesn’t have to feel like a chore when it’s tied to moments of joy and togetherness. Plus, you’ll create memories while sneaking in calorie burn.

Hit the Trails for a Post-Holiday Hike

Craving some alone time? Escape the hustle and bustle with a hike. The fresh air, natural beauty, and physical challenge can be incredibly grounding after a busy holiday.

How to Make it Happen:

• Find a local trail with moderate terrain.
• Bring water and layer up for cooler weather.
• Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and let the movement refresh your mind and body.

Why it Works: Hiking combines cardio and strength-building, especially if you’re navigating hills or uneven paths. It’s also a natural stress reliever.

Strength Training: Build It Back Up with Strength Training

Strength training is a great way to rebuild muscle and rev up your metabolism after a feast. You don’t need fancy equipment—your body weight will do the trick.

Try This Beginner-Friendly Workout:

• 3 sets of 10 squats
• 3 sets of 10 push-ups
• 3 sets of 20-second planks
• Add weights if you want an extra challenge!

Why it Works: Building muscle not only helps you burn calories but also supports your overall health and fitness goals.

Christmas Decorating: Festive & Fun

Putting up Christmas lights and decorations is not only festive but can also be a surprisingly effective full-body workout. Carrying boxes of ornaments, climbing ladders, and stringing lights involve lifting, stretching, and balancing—hello, functional fitness!

How to Make it Fun:

• Play holiday music to set the mood.
• Take your time and stretch while reaching for high spots.
• Use good lifting techniques (bend your knees!) to engage your lower body.

Why it Works: Decorating your home for the holidays can turn into a full-body workout without you even realizing it!

Remember: It’s All About Balance

Thanksgiving is about celebration, not guilt. One big meal won’t undo all your progress, and the best way to bounce back is with self-compassion and small, consistent steps. Choose workouts that feel enjoyable and realistic for you, whether it’s a 10-minute dance session or a peaceful hike in nature.

By focusing on movement that you want to do—not that you feel like you have to do—you’ll stay motivated and feel more in control of your health and fitness goals. You’ve got this!