Pre-Thanksgiving Sweat: A Quick, Fun Warm-Up Before the Turkey Takes Over

Written By: Kaylie Gragnano

Thanksgiving is all about presence, family time, yummy food and the grand finale: settling onto the couch for football and a plate piled a little higher than planned. But, before we melt into our blankets, MVP-style, why not spark up a little pre-feast energy?

No, you don’t have to run a turkey trot at sunrise. You can trade those slippery sidewalks for a quick, playful warm-up that gets your blood pumping and your mood lifted. Think five minutes, zero equipment, and moves with names as tasty as the meal ahead, see what we did there!?

Below is your Pre-Thanksgiving Sweat, built to shake off morning stiffness, boost your metabolism, and make you feel alive before the great couch descent begins.

1. Casserole Cardio (30 seconds)

A simple side-to-side step with arm swings. Big reach, soft knees, easy energy.

2. Mashed Potato Marches (45 seconds)

March in place with high knees.You’re basically fluffing up your legs like a bowl of whipped potatoes. Keep your core tight and try not to tip the imaginary gravy boat.

3. Pumpkin Pie Push-Ups (10 to 12 reps)

Knees down or full push-ups both work!

4. Stuffing Shuffles (30 seconds)

Quick little side shuffles with a light tap at each end.You’re hopping around the kitchen grabbing ingredients at lightning speed, but without the actual kitchen chaos.

5. Cranberry Crunches (20 reps)

Basic crunches with slow, controlled movement.Imagine squeezing those cranberries into a perfect shape. Same energy.

6. Turkey Leg Lunges (10 reps per side)

Forward or reverse lunges.Long, confident steps, as if you’re striding toward that last piece of pie!

7. Gravy Boat Glute Bridges (15 reps)

Lie down, lift your hips, lower them slowly.Smooth and steady, like pouring gravy… but with more core engagement.

8. Sweet Potato Stretch (30 seconds per side)

A hip-flexor stretch to finish.Soft, warm, grounding. Let your body sink into it before the day officially begins.

Moving even a little bit gets your heart rate up, wakes up your muscles, and boosts your metabolism heading into a big day of sitting, laughing, and eating. It’s a no-pressure way to feel good before the holiday really kicks off.

Plus, it takes less time than it does to preheat the oven!

Add this warm-up to your morning, or gather your family and make it a new tradition. And if you’re craving more movement all holiday season, we’ve got classes ready for you. The studio is waiting, and so is the music.

Happy almost-Thanksgiving, MVP fam. Let’s sweat just a little before we feast a lot!