Being Intentional About Movement This Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! Today is a day to celebrate with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and reflect on gratitude. While it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, this holiday is also a wonderful opportunity to be intentional about moving your body. Whether you start your day with an energizing activity, break up the hours of relaxation, or create memories with movement, being active can make your Thanksgiving even more enjoyable.
Here are a few ideas for intentional movement you can embrace today:
1. Kick Off the Day with a Charity 5K
If you started your morning with a Turkey Trot or a community fun run, congratulations on a strong start! If not, consider heading out for a jog, brisk walk, or light run to get the blood flowing and boost your energy for the day ahead. Many Thanksgiving 5Ks support local charities, combining movement with a sense of purpose and gratitude.
Tip: It’s not too late to rally your family for a mini run or walk around your neighborhood!
2. Play a Sport Together
Thanksgiving is perfect for a little friendly competition to keep the energy high and create lasting memories.
Family football game: Whether it’s a casual toss or a full game of flag football, this is a classic way to bond and move.
Pickleball: With its growing popularity, pickleball is a fun option for all ages. If you have access to a court or even space for a makeshift game, give it a try!
Backyard games: Set up soccer, kickball, or even a game of wiffle ball. These activities are about creating joy, laughter, and a little holiday adrenaline.
[Pickleball on Lanai, Hawaii where friends become family]
3. Take a Family Walk Before or After Dinner
A family walk is a simple, meaningful way to move today. It’s great for connecting with loved ones and refreshing your body during this food-filled day.
Before Dinner: Build an appetite and enjoy the crisp fall air with a morning or mid-day walk.
After Dinner: Help your body digest and unwind with a post-meal stroll, whether it’s through your neighborhood, a local park, or simply around the yard.
[Walking the Boise River in Boise, Idaho was my families tradition]
4. Celebrate the Holiday Hustle with a Quick Workout
For those who enjoy a challenge, consider sneaking in a workout before the day’s indulgences or between activities.
Holiday-themed challenge: Set a goal like completing 100 reps of a few bodyweight exercises in honor of Thanksgiving. Break up the reps however you’d like or even grab a partner to do it with you.
100 Squats (https://youtu.be/ByLAwwj_1Vk?si=den3xs7AqyAhtbGf)
100 Push Ups (https://youtu.be/pgakw7HeJNI?si=OpGGNX9wG838uHR3)
100 Glute Bridges (https://youtu.be/ABq4Cq3WWo8?si=cpqvyd7799w4EgXs)
100 Kickbacks (https://youtu.be/mhsEk7QozTc?si=-AmRYdcb8ck-14s0)
100 Lunges (https://youtu.be/Ex6Rp-ilF7I?si=7q84LomzG-ZWf83W)
Starting or breaking up the day with movement can boost your energy and mood, making the holiday feel even more fulfilling.
Make Movement a Thanksgiving Tradition
Today is a great day to start a new tradition that includes intentional movement. Whether it’s an annual family hike, a football game, or even a plank challenge after dinner, these traditions create meaningful moments you’ll look forward to every year.
Invite Loved Ones to Join You
Thanksgiving is about togetherness, so encourage family and friends to join you in whatever activity you choose. Share why movement is meaningful to you and how it adds to the holiday experience.
[Bogus Basin in Boise, Idaho where my brother and I grew up going in our dads pack and now can take my niece to]
Reflect on Your Gratitude Through Movement
As you move today, take a moment to feel gratitude for your health, your loved ones, and the opportunity to spend time together. Whether it’s running, playing a sport, walking, or simply stretching, movement is a celebration of what your body can do.
So, lace up your sneakers, grab a jacket, or rally your family for a game. However you choose to move, let it be a meaningful part of this Thanksgiving. Enjoy every moment of the day, feeling strong, connected, and thankful.
How are you moving today?
