THE PRE-THANKSGIVING WORKOUT
October 1 through New Years is my favorite time of year! I start my pre-holiday workouts in October to keep extra weight off from all the candy and baked goods. It’s all about balance, like totally enjoy a piece of pumpkin pie (or two), but then making sure I add a little bit more cardio to my routine. I’ve combined cardio and strength moves to create an amazing full-body workout that’s super effective for this time of year.
Guidelines
Cardio and Strength: 3 Rounds Total
1 Round = 5 of each in each Set
2 Round = 10 of each in each Set
3 Round = 15 of each in each Set
SET 1:
JUMPING JACKS
Start with your feet together and arms by your side. Bend your knees and jump, landing with your feet wider than shoulder distance apart and your arms straight above your head. Jump again to return to starting position.
SQUAT WITH AN OVERHEAD PRESS ( I use 2 filled water bottles for extra weight)
Start with feet parallel, a little wider than shoulder distance apart (keeping your energy in your heels), toes facing forward, arms open at a 90-degree angle. Bend your knees (like you’re sitting back in a chair) as you straighten your arms above your head, then return to neutral.
SET 2:
HIGH KNEES WITH ARMS STRAIGHT
Keep your arms straight at shoulder level (holding them strong throughout) and keep your core strong as you alternate bringing your right and left knee up to hip-level (as if skipping in place).
LUNGES WITH BICEP CURL
Start with your right leg lunged in front of your left leg. Lung your left knee toward the ground, but don't touch the ground. Bicep curl your arms as you lung, then straighten your arms as your legs straighten back up. Then switch and repeat with left leg forward.
SET 3:
CRISS CROSS JUMPS
Start with your hands on hips and feet parallel, a little wider than shoulder-distance apart. Bend your knees and jump, landing with your right foot in front, then jump again alternating your left foot in front (crisscrossing your feet back and forth).
SUMO SQUAT
Stand with your feet wider than shoulder distance apart and turned outwards (keeping energy in your heels at all times). Bend your knees into a sitting position with back straight. For more difficulty, hold a Gallon of Water with both hands. Bend your knees and your bend elbows upwards while pulling up the gallon of water.
SET 4:
MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS
In a plank position with your hands under your shoulders, lift one knee at a time, toward your opposite shoulder Go as fast as you can (This engages your obliques as you twist)
CURTSY LUNGES WITH A CHEST SQUEEZE
Start with your feet parallel, wider than shoulder distance apart, arms open 90-degrees with weights or water bottles up by your head. Bend your knees, crossing your left leg behind your right leg in a curtsy and landing on the ball of your left foot as you bring your arms in front of your face.Go back to your starting position. Now crossing you right leg behind your left leg in a curtsy and landing on the ball of your right foot, as you bring your arms in front of your face.
SET 5:
SUPERMAN IN THE X POSITION
Lay on your stomach with arms and legs straight out in an “X” position. Lift up your arms and legs, engaging everything together, then release back down into the starting position.
PLANK ALTERNATING HANDS
Start in a plank position on the balls of your feet with arms and legs straight (hands under your shoulders). Don’t tuck your chin to your chest. Alternate your weight onto your forearms (right, left, right, left) then alternate your leading arm to your left. Keep switching from right to left.