If you’ve followed Happy Healthy Mama, you know I’m not the type who never misses a workout. There are plenty of weeks when I have to push myself to stay consistent. This year, though, I decided to do something different: I’ll exercise on Thanksgiving morning. I’ve never worked out on a holiday before, but this year I’m setting aside 15 minutes to get my blood flowing.

Why bother waking up 15 minutes early? Because it helps. I’ll likely overindulge at the big meal and enjoy every bite, but a short, intense workout beforehand can take the edge off that post-meal slump. I’m not planning a long run—just a quick 15-minute HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) session. Fifteen minutes is manageable, and I know both my body and mind will benefit. Exercise clears my head, reduces stress, and tends to make me a calmer, more patient parent.

Below is the 15-minute HIIT routine I’ll be doing on Thanksgiving morning. If you want to join in and get a little movement before the festivities, follow along.

15 Minute HIIT Workout for Thanksgiving Morning

Perform each exercise for 50 seconds, then rest 10 seconds before moving to the next exercise. Rest 1–2 minutes between rounds. Complete the circuit three times.

1. Spiderman Push-ups

During the lowering phase of a push-up, bring one knee toward the elbow on the same side. Keep your obliques engaged and rotate legs so you bring a different knee up on each rep.

2. Tricep Dips

Use a sturdy chair or bench. Grip the edge with your hands, knuckles facing outward. You can extend your legs straight or bend your knees to keep your feet planted. Lower your body by bending the elbows for a count of two, then press back up through your arms. Repeat with controlled movement.

3. Mountain Climbers

Start in a high push-up position and alternately drive your knees toward your chest as quickly as you can while maintaining a strong core and stable hips.

4. Plank Up and Down

Begin in a high plank. Lower your right forearm to the floor, then the left, so you’re in a forearm plank. Press back up one arm at a time to return to the high plank—right then left. Continue moving up and down, keeping hips steady.

5. Burpees with a Jump

Stand tall, then squat and place your hands on the floor. Jump your feet back into a push-up position, immediately jump them back to your hands, rise into a squat, and finish with a vertical jump. Land softly and repeat.

Note: Warm up briefly before starting—dynamic movements like arm circles, leg swings, and light jogging in place work well. Cool down and stretch after the workout to aid recovery.

Do you plan to work out on Thanksgiving morning? Do you usually exercise on holidays? Leave a comment and let me know. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a relaxing weekend—I’ll be back after the holiday!