This fitness industry trend gives me the ick

You know what gives me the ick this time of year?

The whole “burn off your food” thing.

Or “earning” your food by working out more than you normally would any other week of the year.

Peloton even does a Countdown to Turkey Burn every year.

The name alone? Ick.

BUT—here’s the interesting part:

While the branding screams burn off your turkey, the actual intention is solid:

Helping people stay consistent with strength + cardio during the holidays.

And I’m absolutely here for that.

Establishing a training routine when life gets chaotic pays off in ways most people don’t realize.

---

What to Do This Thanksgiving

1. Treat it like any other day.

If you’re home? Stick to your normal Thursday training.

2. If you can’t? It’s fine.

Travel, family, limited time—life happens. It’s one day. Take the day off or shift your training. No big deal.

3. Resist all-or-nothing thinking.

Doing something is always more than doing nothing.

A 10 minute walk to breathe and reset.

A jog around the block.

A hike with your dogs and family.

A set of as many push ups as possible.

It all moves the needle.

---

Why “Something” Helps So Much (Especially for Your Mental Health)

This time of year is fun and festive, but let’s be honest: it’s also unpredictable, overstimulating, and busy.

And when your normal routine gets thrown off, your nervous system feels it.

Here’s how movement helps you stay grounded:

• Instant dopamine + serotonin boost.
  Your brain gets a literal chemical lift—which improves mood, energy, and motivation.

• Regulates your nervous system.
  Exercise helps shift you out of “fight-or-flight” and into a state where your brain can think clearly, make decisions, and not spiral.

• Anchors your day.
  When everything else feels chaotic, getting in a workout gives you structure and a sense of control over something.

• Reduces stress reactivity.
  When you move regularly, you’re more resilient to stress—AKA you don’t snap as easily, and the little things don’t derail your whole day.

• Improves sleep.
  Huge one. Better sleep = better mood regulation, fewer cravings, more patience, and more energy.

• Creates a mental “reset button.”
  Even a 10–15 minute session can interrupt overwhelm, anxiety, or the holiday emotional rollercoaster.

• Helps you stay present.
  When your body feels good and your stress is managed, it’s easier to actually enjoy your people, your food, and the moment.

• Protects against seasonal dips.
  Movement is one of the most effective tools for managing Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms—especially when daylight is limited and stress is high.

Basically: when life is the busiest and most unpredictable, movement becomes one of the most supportive things you can do for your brain, mood, and sanity.

If you want to head into December feeling grounded, strong, and supported, not frazzled and starting over in January, let’s get started now!