The Perfect Recipe for Thanksgiving: A Morning Workout

A few years ago, I came across the perfect recipe for Thanksgiving. Exercise. 

Whether you are traveling for dinner or entertaining a house full of family, I can assure you, you probably won’t have time for this indulgence. Which is why you need to make time. Chop and assemble what you must beforehand, and give yourself an hour or so Thanksgiving morning to clear your head and make your body tingle. Exercising on Thanksgiving, especially with like-minded people, can move your day headlong into sheer bliss.

Whether you’re a yogi or a cardio nut, or even if you just want to try something new, there are a lot of Thanksgiving options close by to be thankful for:

First, there is a Bike& Walk-sponsored bike ride at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day to get your holiday off to a healthy start.

The group asks cyclists to meet at the Montclair Public Library on South Fullerton Avenue between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. They will take off at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Riders should be comfortable cycling in traffic as this will be about an 8-mile ride on open roads. The ride should be over by 9:30 a.m.

In addition to cycling, here are some other great options:

YOGA

Yogadesha Studio, 25 Watchung Plaza, Montclair, yogadesha.com

9:30 – 11 a.m. Tri-Vinyasa with Loryn Riggiola—A vinyasa practice fueled with the breath. Chanting will begin class, followed by an asana practices offered with modifications and ending with a mediation of gratitude. The intention is to cultivate gratitude for all experiences through the eyes of equanimity. 

Price: $18 Drop-In
; New student special—3 classes for $30.00 (take any other 2 yoga classes anytime)

Experience: Open to all levels: Experience with sun salutations is helpful.

Reservation: Not necessary, but students do reserve space.

What else: Arrive a bit early to set up and come into the space.

Garden State Yoga, 71 Washington St, Bloomfield, 973.680.1400

8-9:15 a.m. Hot Power Yoga with Melody Lima—Hot Power Yoga takes the traditional Vinyasa style and incorporates a dynamic, more rapid flow that detoxifies, heals and rejuvenates the body. The room is heated to 95 degrees with 50% humidity to help facilitate the integration of sweat, strength and spirit.

8 – 9:30 a.m.  Iyengar-Inspired w/ Christopheray—Iyengar style is verbal and precise, with misalignments actively corrected. Iyengar-Inspired corrects the body’s alignment, improves posture and often results in eliminating common aches and pains.

9:30 – 10:45 am: Hot Power Yoga w/ Alison McCue - (see description above.)

Price: $17 for either class

Experience: Open to all levels

Reservation: Recommended gardenstateyoga.com

What Else: Bring towel and water for Hot Power Yoga

Asana House, 127A Valley Rd., Montclair, asanahouse.com

8-10 a.m.  Mysore Practice Session (doors open at 7:30)—Mysore Style Ashtanga Session—a self-paced practice with the guidance of the teacher.  

10-11:30 a.m. Led Full Primary Ashtanga Series—Traditional led class with focus on the breath, bandhas (internal locks), drishti (gazing point) and emphasis on the vinyasa method. All levels welcome.

Price: $20 Drop-In; Studio packages available.

Experience: Familiarity with Mysore sequence, beginner through advanced.

Reservation: Space is limited so RSVP to info@asanahouse.com. 

Starseed Yoga, 215 Glenridge Ave., Montclair, 973-783-1036 starseed

9:30-11 a.m.  Gratitude Practice & Meditation—One hour light flow practice closing with a half hour crystal bowl meditation.

Price: Cost is free but we are collecting toys for NJCDC's Annual Gift & Food Drive for kids in Paterson, NJ. We request that the toy be new or gently used.

Experience: Open to all levels; no experience necessary.

Reservations: Not needed.

EXERCISE

The Bar Method Montclair, 493 Bloomfield Ave, 2^nd Fl, Montclair, 973-783-1227

8:30-9:30 and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Bar Method Mixed Level Class with Kelly Lezynski  – No-impact total body work out that produces high caloric burn and firmer muscle mass.

Price: $25 Drop-In; Class packages reduce cost significantly

Experience: Not necessary. All levels welcome.

Reservation: Yes, sign up at The Bar Method

3Sixty Cycling Studio, 4 Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, 973-746-3663

8-9 a.m. 3Sixty Turkey Legs and Thighs with Lisa Frey—Set yourself up to eat what you want on Thanksgiving with this exciting 60 minutes ride.

9:30-10:30 a.m. 3Sixty Pass The Gravy Please! with Jennifer Luccia—60 minutes of giblet burning Thanksgiving fun! Don't pass on the gravy! Enjoy this ride!

10:30-11:30 a.m. Hip-Hop Funk 3Sixty with Angel Williams—Bring on da Funk and take off the calories! This total body experience combines funk, house, hip-hop, and the latest street dance moves.

Price: Drop-In $18 per class.

Experience: Not necessary.

Reservations: Yes, classes fill up. Register at 3SixtyCycling

d.FIT,  The Mill at Walnut Street Station, 4 Erie Street, Montclair

7:30-8:15 a.m. Ride 45—An intense, 45-minute cardiovascular ride on your Schwinn Magnetic Resistance bike that will kickstart your day and increase your fat-burning experience. Lose yourself in the music and leave drenched with sweat.

8:30-9:30 a.m. CoreSique with Maddie—A highly concentrated cardiovascular program of isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches.  Classical ballet barre meets Pilates with a dose of cardio.

8:30-9:30 a.m. Floore{d} with Lou—A 3-part circuit that hits every major muscle group. From treadmill to Kinesis®, leg press to smith machine, bench to mat. Start with cardio, end with stretch...with a full range of weighted motion in between.

9:30-10:30 a.m. d*METHOD with d*—A calorie-burning interval course that is very challenging, yet all levels are encouraged to jump in. Incorporates core balls, bands, bars and dumbbells that will keep your muscles guessing and burning.

Price: $18, except Floore{d} which is $22

Experience: There are modifications for all fitness levels in each class.

Reservations: Highly recommended. Go to: d.fit