8 Creative Non-Food Ways to Connect with Loved Ones This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time to connect with family and friends,enjoy your favorite recipesAndstart new traditions. If you’ve been working hard to get in shape this year, the holiday weekend offers a great opportunity to do that, tooshare your active lifestyle with your loved ones.

But it’s hard to break the desire to graze or sit all day by going to the gym or jogging around the block. So be creative. Here are eight non-food ways to connect with your people and burn calories on turkey day.

Everyone loves a field day, especially if you have a particularly competitive family. Encourage friendly rivalry and get your heart rate up with a series of active games and challenges before you sit down to the table. Think obstacle courses, balancing games, egg-and-spoon relay races, even musical chairs or tug-of-war. “It can literally be anything that gets people moving and having fun, so feel free to tailor the activities to your own family’s needs,” says Alex Parriea certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach.

‘Tis the season for touch football — and for good reason: “Sports are one of the best ways to get extra activity and exercise, and friendly competition can be a great way for a family to bond and learn to work together,” says TJ Mentus, a certified personal trainer atGarage Gym Reviews. Go to your local park or backyard and choose a sport that is open to anyone who wants to participate. A few thinking that only a few supplies are needed? Basketball, slow-pitch softball, football, wiffle ball, kickball, volleyball or badminton.

Why not add a little exercise to your gratitude practice? To do this, organize a group yoga session, either in person (find events near you!) or online (YouTube and many apps have many). free lessonsavailable from trained yogis), saysMonica Streeta certified personal trainer. With each inhale (at least during the first few breaths of each pose), think of something you are grateful for. With each exhale, release all negative energy. And at the end of the session, take time to reflect on all your blessings, and fill yourself with positive energy.

Connect with nature, breathe easier and enjoy clear autumn weather by taking a walk with family and friends. “You can choose flat terrain for a leisurely stroll or find a mountain to hike up for a bigger calorie burn,” says Jody Braverman, a certified personal trainer. To make it a special tradition, consider choosing a hike with memorable features, such as panoramic views or waterfalls. Another nice touch: “The last person at the bottom of the hill has to clean up after Thanksgiving dinner,” says Braverman.

Of course it’s a bit early for the skating season, but that can be to your advantage: there is more space for you and your people to enjoy the ice rink! “Whether outdoors or indoors, one of my favorite things to do during the holidays is ice skating,” says Braverman. “For a few dollars you can rent a pair of skates and get a good lower-body workout. You’ll also work your core muscles while laughing at your friends and family and trying to stay upright on the ice.”

Something you might not know if you’re not a regular gym goer? “Many gyms and communities are hosting free Thanksgiving workouts in exchange for a food donation,” saysCarrie Halla certified personal trainer. You can give back and get a free sweat session in one go. To find out what your options are for group fitness classes, check out your area’s event site or call your local gym.

For an activity the kids will love, plan a turkey day themed scavenger hunt. “You can hide several paper turkeys around the house and have everyone search for them, with a prize for the winner at the end,” saysJohn Gardnera certified personal trainer and online fitness coach. “To make it extra active, add a little fitness routine to the back of each turkey, such as 10 jumping jacks or 10 squats.”

For a tradition that can help you stay active in the weeks and months leading up to Thanksgiving, consider signing up for a turkey trot. “These are often for all ages and all activity levels, with distances ranging from toddler races to 10km,” says Hall. Pro tip: “Make sure you pre-register to receive Thanksgiving swag.” To prepare for the big day or to keep it going long after the holidays, you can join a walking or running group.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all about food. Nastyincrease your step countand spend quality time together, start a new family tradition of exercising more together.

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Originally published November 2021

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