Burn calories, give back, and give thanks – all in a morning’s workout before your Thanksgiving Day festivities and feasting begins. Here are local Thanksgiving fitness events that donate proceeds back to local charities:

1.  Yogabliss Practice of Gratitude – Yogabliss invites you to join their annual Practice of Gratitude: “As a community, we will offer up our gratitude for the abundance in our lives and the blessings we share.” There are four classes offered, starting at 8 am – Power Vinyasa, Vinyasa + Nidra, and two Hot Fusion. (Classes fill up quickly; proceeds benefit Mercer Island Youth & Family Services.)

2.  MI Athletic Club’s Thanksgiving Morning of Fitness & Philanthropy – Join MI Athletic Club Thanksgiving morning for five hours of “feel good about yourself” fitness and philathropy. Classes offered include Sweat It Up Cycle, PureStrength, and Invincible. Proceeds benefit Mercer Island Youth & Family Services. Suggested $25 minimum donation and small bag of non-perishable food items.  Sign up >> 

3. Thanksgiving Day Half-Marathon Fun Run – Islanders Stu, Dave, Chris and Kevin invite you to join their annual Thanksgiving morning run around the island starting at 7:30 am at the Mercerwood Shore Club. No entry fee, but donations welcome for Mercer Island Youth & Family Services.

4.  Jazzercise Thanksgiving Day Workout – Kick your Thanksgiving up a notch with this free Jazzercise class to take place at 8 am Thanksgiving morning at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. Bring two pantry items for donation to local food banks. Come with a friend and/or family member to sweat, smile and burn calories before your feast. 

Know of any other Thanksgiving Day workouts benefiting local causes and organizations? Please share in the comments.