An At-Home Pumpkin Workout

Okay, Moms, this Pumpkin Workout is designed in preparation for Thanksgiving and allowing ourselves the pleasure of that nice piece of Pumpkin Pie or Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake (a new tradition in our household). I'm a big believer in enjoying the holidays and the wonderful desserts that follow the Thanksgiving Meal.

I am about to change your whole perception of the pumpkin and with a little luck, introduce you to a new family Thanksgiving tradition. In the spirit of moving and exercising during the holidays, here's a workout, you'll never forget. Let's grab a pumpkin (6 to 8 lb or more), water, and clear a spot on the floor.

1. 60 Pumpkin Held Jumping Jacks
-Hold pumpkin in front of the chest/close to body
-When jump with feet spread apart, lift pumpkin overhead
-Return jump to center and pumpkin to chest

2. 20 Wood Chop Squats
-Lift pumpkin overhead
-Chop down with arms extended to center of legs
-Complete squat (work on getting the quads parallel to ground)

3. 30 Pumpkin Twists
-Stand in a half squat
-Keep hips centered
-Twist shoulders side to side, holding pumpkin in front of chest

4. 20 Overhead Pumpkin Drops
-Lift Pumpkin Overhead
-Keep elbows pointed forward and forearms close to ears
-Drop pumpkin behind head
-Lift pumpkin overhead and extend elbows

5. 10 One-Handed Side Pumpkin Lifts per side
-Hold Pumpkin at a 45 degree angle from the body as low to the ground without dropping it
-Keep elbow tight to side
-Lift Pumpkin up to upper arm (similar to holding a waiter's tray)
-Lower pumpkin down to starting position

6. Skating Pumpkins (3 x per leg)
-Lean forward, with straight back, body parallel to floor
-Bring pumpkin up with arms extended and inline with body
-Lift one leg back and parallel to floor (creating a straight line from pumpkin to toes)
-Hold for 5 seconds (much like an ice skater pose)
-Repeat with other leg

7. 24 Pumpkin Lunges
-Lunge forward
-Hold lunge and pass pumpkin between forward leg
-Bring pumpkin to center of body

8. 20 Pumpkin Touches per side
-Lay on your side on the floor with hips and shoulders stacked directly on top of each other
-Place pumpkin on hip level about 2 to 3 feet in front of you
-Swing leg to touch pumpkin with the top of your foot
-Keep toes extended and return to starting position

9. 60 Pumpkin Taps
-Stand Up
-Quickly tap toes on top of the pumpkin alternating feet

10. 30 Pumpkin Swings
-Slowly lift pumpkin off floor and reach as high as possible to the ceiling
-Stretch and return to starting position

When you eye the pumpkins in the grocery store, it's more than a great ingredient to Pumpkin Pie, Cheesecake, bread, soup, etc. It's a fantastic ingredient to a full body workout.

Your children will think this is as much fun as playing in the leaves. Grab them the mini pumpkins to join in the fun.