Skip to Main Content

How to Cut Post-Thanksgiving Weight Gain by Mixing Exercises (Photos)

From raking leaves to swimming, see the best calorie-cutting activities to prevent post-Turkey Day weight gain.

The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast

Published Nov. 24 2011 11:00AM EST

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-teaser_sucnvi

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-teaser_xgtfe6 — The average American will consume 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day—the equivalent of five and a half Big Macs. But there are ways to compensate for the feasting and keep weight gain at bay. From swimming to raking leaves, The Daily Beast times the best combination of exercises for working off those Turkey Day pounds—whether the menu item is stuffing, brisket, or beer. (Note: Calories burned are based on calculated averages and may vary for individuals.)

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-apple-pie_j8uaxk — Apple Pie (1 slice) = 420 calories

Running: 30 minutes

Swimming: 53 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 105 minutes

Raking Leaves: 56 minutes
Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-mashed-potatoes_z2v4zz — Running: 47 minutes

Swimming: 83 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 165 minutes

Scrubbing the Bathtub: 99 minutes
Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-egg-nog_rj0uaj — Running: 25 minutes

Swimming: 43 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 86 minutes

Loading the Dishwasher: 99 minutes
Lew Robertson / Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-turkey_m2l9cs — Running: 27 minutes

Swimming: 47 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 94 minutes

Preparing Dinner: 141 minutes
Lauri Patterson / Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-brisket_tof85d — Running: 44 minutes

Swimming: 77 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 154 minutes

Shelving Groceries: 168 minutes
James Baigrie / Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-stuffing_nuo3ka — Running: 12 minutes

Swimming: 21 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 41 minutes

Watching Football: 141 minutes
James Baigrie / Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-brownies_oj5sy1 — Running: 21 minutes

Swimming: 38 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 75 minutes

Napping: 340 minutes
Anna Williams / Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-popcorn_mmmhji — Running: 79 minutes

Swimming: 138 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 275 minutes

Playing Touch Football: 140 minutes
Jason Todd / Getty Images

galleries/2011/11/24/how-to-cut-post-thanksgiving-weight-gain-by-mixing-exercises-photos/thanksgiving-equations-beer_scvtrx — Running: 37 minutes

Swimming: 64 minutes

Hatha Yoga: 129 minutes

Decorating the House: 96 minutes
Ted Tamburo / Getty Images

The Daily Beast

The Daily Beast

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.