Whether you plan to practice moderation, make healthier alternatives or go all out this thanksgiving, odds are good that you are looking to burn extra calories. Fortunately, turkey trots and boot camps have sprung up throughout the country for this annual Thursday morning. Even if your gym is closed, there are plenty of alternatives to get sweaty before the oven turns on and the feast begins!

First, make sure you have breakfast! Many people are tempted to skip the most important meal of the day to save on some calories. If you skip breakfast, you’re more likely to overeat at lunch or dinner. If you want to have something small before your workout, I suggest a bagel thin with your favorite wedge of Smooth Sensations Cream Cheese Spread. If you love to eat eggs in the morning, make these Omega-3 & Protein–Packed Fresh Herb Breakfast Eggs!

While some clubs are choosing to stay open in the morning, a less-than-packed gym floor may lessen your motivation. Working out with others pushes your willingness to go beyond your comfort zone. Check for special class offerings that may be as long at 90 minutes featuring more than one instructor. Equinox and SoulCycle are offering special Turkey Day classes in New York City and Boston on Thursday morning that are not regularly on the schedule. Try checking local gym schedules in your area to see if there is a class you can take!

If your gym is closed or you are traveling, look to find other small studios that do not require general membership to use their facilities. GoRecess.com is a great site that helps you find classes at a location nearby and at convenient times. Whether you’re searching for a yoga or spin class, GoRecess is a great resource. If you are more into outdoor workouts, you may want to search for a boot camp in your city. Boston’s Ultimate Bootcamp holds an annual 90-minute session every Thanksgiving morning, 30-miutes longer than their usual gut wrenching workouts. The class is $20 but all proceeds go to a local food bank!

If you want to get out and enjoy the weather, a local Turkey Trot is a great way to get some exercise with your entire family! Most trots are 5K distance which helps casual and beginner runners feel welcome. If you have not run a race before, they are not about winning but simply finishing and competing. Strollers are typically allowed making this perfect for the entire family! To find a race near you, visit Active.com or RaceMenu.com.

Lastly, if you don’t have time to leave your house there are plenty of internet workout options. On YouTube, you can find any kind of full-length workout video available from my very own 10-minute butt lifting workout to a classic 30-day shred by Jillian Michaels! If you are obsessed with bar classes like I am, one of my favorite studios in New York City, Physique 57, just released their own online workouts. For just $5, get a bar workout from one of Kelly Ripa’s favorite classes!

How will you burn off some Thanksgiving calories?

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