You probably indulged in all of the good stuff last week — full of carbs, fats and lots of calories. It’s what you’re supposed to do on Thanksgiving.
Not to worry. Here are 10 easy exercises you can do anywhere to tighten that tummy and work off those Thanksgiving leftovers.
1. Burpee burner
You can add burpees to so many exercises to make your workout a little more challenging and much more effective.
Try doing a push up on the way down, landing in a plank position and then jump into the lateral “burpee.” Finish with your hands reaching to the ceiling. Or do reps of 10 or 15 movements, resting and repeating 3 or 4 times to work up a refreshing sweat.
2. Endurance running
No one likes cardio, but by doing it in intervals, the workout becomes less of a pain. Try running as fast as you can for one minute outside or on a treadmill in the Preston Center and then walk for two minutes to rest. Repeat that for two miles, and you’ll have your heart rate racing and a feeling of accomplishment for the day.
3. Stair climbs
We are fortunate enough to have Smith Stadium on campus, right at our fingertips. Go run the stairs at the stadium or even the Colonnade on a cool day for 15 to 20 minutes to activate those quads and legs.
4. Hill sprints
We are the Hilltoppers, and that name isn’t given to just anyone. Sprint the Hill up to Cherry Hall and slow jog your way down. Repeat the uphill sprint two or three times to work up a sweat. The next time you hike up to class, it will be a breeze.
5. Squat it out
Whip that booty into shape while also working off the mashed potatoes and pie you probably ate over break. Do five sets of 10 deep squats. Challenge yourself by adding weights if you have access to them. If not, squat low and add a jump at the end. If you aren’t sore afterward, you will be the next day.
6. Lots of lunges
Another great option is deep lunges down your dorm hallway or in your room or apartment. Do three sets of 15 lunges on each leg for a total of 45. This is an easy move that can be done with roommates and hallmates.
7. Abs of steel
Work on your core with three simple movements. Start with sit-ups, doing five sets of 10, or if you’re feeling daring, do them all at once. Transition into ab crunches, and again, do five sets of 10 or 50 all at once.
Next, do Russian Twists to focus on the sides of the stomach, which are called obliques. With your knees bent, clasp your hands and lift your legs slightly off the ground. Then, move your hands from one side to the other. Do anywhere from 50 to 100 reps and repeat the cycle.
8. Wall sits and the standing bicycle
Find a blank wall outside of your dorm or near your bed, and bend your knees as if you were sitting in a chair with your back against the wall. Hold this position for 30 seconds to a minute. You should feel the burn in the tops of your thighs.
Sing a song to distract yourself from the pain, and then go right into a standing bicycle movement. Bringing the right elbow to the left knee and then alternate. This full body workout targets the abs and core.
9. Step ups into duck walk
Instead of running the stairs, here’s an alternative. Find a sturdy chair or stool, step up with one leg and then step down with your other leg. Count to 30 with both legs, and then immediately transition into a low squat with your thighs touching the backs of your calves. Walk back and forth the length of your dorm room or hallway twice, rest and repeat.
You should feel this in your lower body, legs and gluteus maximus.
10. Group X classes
If none of these workouts appeal to you or you just hate the thought of breaking a sweat by yourself, there is another option.
Go to a Group X class with some friends. Try Zumba to dance off the stuffing you binged on, or try Tabata or a Butt and Guts class to shed some calories.
The bottom line? Find a way to get active. The cold weather is approaching, but don’t let that be your excuse to lie around in between classes. Get up, get motivated and make some gains!