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Wellness > Health

Trying to Stay in Shape Post Thanksgiving

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Lafayette chapter.

After consuming our fair share of turkey, it’s time to put that protein to good use. I know it would feel so nice to sleep, but before finals, it’s important to stay active. So turn that turkey into muscle!

 

Abomminals: This is an easy one to start with. I love ab workouts because you can do them at home, in your pjs, or at the gym. They are so versatile and you can do this 8 minute workout anywhere!

Crunches

Russian Twists

Flutter Kicks

Pilates Hundreds

Jumping Oblique Twists

Reverse Crunches

Crisscross Crunch

Pilates Toe Taps

Pilates Side Hip Raises (Right & Left)

Cool Down & Stretch

Just one time through and you’re done! Do this 4-5 times a week for the best results.

 

Legs: Never skip leg day. You can go to the gym or be at home, but you can always do something!

GYM

Leg Press (3 sets, 12-15 reps)

Lying Leg Curls (3 sets, 12 reps)

Leg Extensions (3 sets, 20 reps)

Standing Calf Raises (4 sets, 12 reps)

 

Booty: Squats are a gym rat’s best friend, but my butt’s worst enemy. There is nothing like the good soreness you feel the day after leg/squat day. Squats build a lot of strength both in your core, back, legs, and, especially, the booty. Here’s my favorite booty workout, squats and more!

Barbell Squat  (4 sets, 4-6 reps)

Dumbbell Lunges (4 sets, 12 reps each leg)

Hip Extension (3 sets, 20 reps. Add a 10 lb plate if it’s too easy!)

Deadlifts (3 sets, 8-12 reps)

Stairmaster (20 minutes, 3 days / wk or for noticeable changes 30 – 45 min sessions, 5 – 6 days a week)

 

Arms: After working out our food shoveling and cutting muscles, it’s time to get back to the gym and mix it up! If confused with what is below all means (believe me, I am), check out tutorials and form here!

Traditional Curls (3 sets x 20 reps)

Hammer Curls (3 sets x 20 reps)

Wide Curls (3 sets x 20 reps)

Kickbacks (3 sets x 20 reps)

Dumbbells Close Grip Press (3 sets x 20 reps)

Lying Cross-Body Dumbbell Extension (3 sets x 20 reps)

 

Full body: Full body workouts are a ton of fun and efficient. Lafayette’s group fitness classes are a great start. So check them out and see which ones you like!

 

Whether you are a home/dorm room body or gym rat, you can work out. It so easy to find something to fit our preferences. So start somewhere, and then the hard part is over!

 

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