3 min readEnhancewell
‘Tis the season for lots of eating. Having a portion of Aunt Hilda’s delicious (and calorie-rich) sweet potato casserole is a non-negotiable. If you don’t want to give up anything (reasonable!), you can add a Turkey Day workout instead. So, should you work out before or after a big meal? Halloween may be over, but this question is a trick! Working out before and after a big meal provides the best benefits— so you can gobble ‘til you wobble and feel great about it.
Let’s look why you should do pre- and post-Thanksgiving workouts!
Pre-Meal Workout
Those turkey trotters are on to something. A pre-Thanksgiving workout is great for your mental and physical health. Join a local 5K, take a bike ride, go for a walk, or join an Enhancewell Collective Pilates class to be ready for family and food.
Here are a few benefits you’ll see when you work out before a big holiday meal:
- Boost your metabolism: A morning workout will give you calorie-burning benefits that last all day by increasing your metabolic rate.
- Create a calorie deficit:Start the meal with a calorie deficit, so you can eat more without feeling guilty.
- Improve digestion:Exercising can prepare your body for a big meal and reduce the risk of bloating by enhancing the blood flow to your digestive tract.
- Improve energy levels:If you’re responsible for cooking, a pre-turkey-basting workout can keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
- Stress reduction:A pre-holiday workout provides a flood of happy hormones (aka endorphins) to help you regulate your stress levels. A little workout can help you keep your cool at the table— no matter what Uncle Frank says.
Post-Meal Workout
The tryptophan makes you crave a post-Thanksgiving nap, but the best thing you can do for your body is to get some movement in!
You don’t need to run a marathon. And honestly, you probably shouldn’t attempt to run a marathon after eating a big meal. A walk, hike, or gentle Pilates session is all you need to reap the benefits of post-meal movement.
Here’s what happens when you move after a meal:
- Improve digestion: Just like a pre-meal workout, after-meal exercise boosts blood flow to your digestive tract to aid in better nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of bloating.
- Metabolism boost: Engaging in physical activity temporarily boosts your metabolism, so you burn calories more efficiently.
- Regulate blood sugar: A short walk (even 2-5 minutes) within 30-90 minutes of a meal can help curb blood sugar spikes.
TLDR: Should you work out before or after Thanksgiving dinner? Trick question! Working out before and after your big holiday meals is the best way to balance your blood sugar, curb cravings, and improve digestion. Don’t worry about competing in a Turkey Day Triathlon. Simply walking or stretching can provide major benefits.
When you live inspired by Julia Child’s advice to enjoy everything in moderation, even moderation, a few days of indulgence won’t hinder your progress. Enjoy your meal and time with loved ones, and trust the work you’ve put in so far.
Book your pre- and post-holiday workouts at Enhancewell Collective for full-body movement and total holiday enjoyment!