My Pre-THANKSGIVING Workout 🏋🏾‍♀️🦃‼️

The holiday season is truly my favorite time of year – all the cozy vibes, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food! But let's be real, it can also be a challenge to keep up with our fitness goals. That's why I absolutely love squeezing in a pre-Thanksgiving workout. It's not about burning off calories in advance (that's not really how it works!), but more about feeling strong, energized, and ready to enjoy everything guilt-free and in moderation. It sets a positive tone for the day. This year, I'm all about efficient and effective workouts. You know those days when you just need to get something in but don't have hours? That's where a good seated core workout comes in handy! I recently discovered some fantastic seated core exercises that are perfect for a quick pre-holiday sweat session. They get your abs working hard, improve posture, and can even be done with minimal space, which is great if you're traveling or just have a busy morning. For my Workout Wednesday, I focused on these. You can even add a resistance band for an extra challenge, wrapping it around your thighs or ankles for some moves. Here's a simple routine you can try: Seated Russian Twists: Sit on the floor, knees bent, feet flat. Lean back slightly, engaging your core. Clasp your hands together or hold a light weight, then twist your torso from side to side, touching the floor beside your hips. Aim for 3 sets of 15-20 twists per side. Seated Leg Lifts/Marches: Sit tall on a chair or the floor. Engage your core and lift one knee towards your chest, then alternate. For more intensity, try lifting both legs slightly off the floor (if on the floor) or keeping them extended and lifting them together. 3 sets of 10-15 reps per leg or 10-15 total. Seated Side Bends: Sit upright, perhaps holding a light weight in one hand. Slowly bend to the side, feeling the stretch in your obliques. Return to center and switch sides. This helps with flexibility and core strength. 3 sets of 10-12 reps per side. Seated Crunches (on a chair): Sit on the edge of a sturdy chair. Lean back slightly, hands behind your head or across your chest. Bring your knees towards your chest while crunching your upper body forward. 3 sets of 12-15 reps. Resistance Band Seated Abductions: If you have a resistance band, place it just above your knees. Sit upright with good posture. Gently push your knees outwards against the band's resistance, holding for a second, then release. This targets your outer thighs and glutes, which are also part of your core-stabilizing muscles. 3 sets of 15-20 reps. Remember, this workout is just a part of a balanced approach to the holidays. It's so important to enjoy yourself, enjoy the food, and enjoy your family! But as my original post reminds us, don't overdo it. Keep track of your portion control. It's easy to get carried away with all the deliciousness, but mindful eating can make a huge difference. Drink plenty of water, too – sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. And most importantly, savor those moments with loved ones. We still have fitness goals, yes, but holidays are also about making beautiful memories. So, whether you do a quick core circuit, go for a walk, or hit the gym, getting some movement in before the festivities can really make you feel better both physically and mentally. It's a small victory that helps you stay on track and truly appreciate the season. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!