Perky Turkeys: Work Off a Thanksgiving Feast

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THE MAIN EVENT on your mind this week is probably carving that big bird. But that doesn't mean you and the family can't get up from the dinner table at some point over the Thanksgiving holiday. Give your bodies some help digesting all that grub by roasting some calories instead of just turkey.

» RUN FOR IT
Thanksgiving morning races rev up your metabolism and get you out of the hair of whoever's manning the kitchen. In it for the long run? Sign up for the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase Turkey Chase ($33-40, 8:30 a.m., 9401 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, Turkeychase.com). The main event is a 10k, but there's also a 2-mile family fun run and a 50 meter "tot trot." For a shorter distance and the chance to talk turkey with D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, go for the Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger ($23, 8:30 a.m., Some.org), a 5k in West Potomac Park. Find other local races at Runwashington.com.

» A HOLIDAY TWIST
What better way to prepare yourself for a day of family drama than participating in some calming yoga and helping the less fortunate? Start your Thanksgiving at Yoga House (3634B Georgia Ave. NW, 202-285-1316, Yogahouse.org), which is offering a charity vinyasa class (9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.) for a suggested $20 donation. Tranquil Space (1632 17th St. NW, 202-328-9642, Tranquilspace.com) is hosting two $10 charity classes, open flow (10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) and yin/yang (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.). Plus, loads of other studios, including Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill and Inspired Yoga (on U Street), are having special Thanksgiving Day practices.

» THE MORNING AFTER
Hitting the malls may be the traditional post-feast activity for Black Friday, but turn it into a green day. Actor/eco-activist Ed Begley Jr. is leading a bike ride around town to raise awareness about ways to save energy when heating your home. The link doesn't need to be clear for you to join him — just gather between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of Seventh Street and Jefferson Drive and get rolling. It'd be nice to let his crew know you're coming (e-mail info@changehappensindegrees.com — and include your T-shirt size), but anyone can show up. Another great freebie on Nov. 28: Gold's Gym. The chain of health clubs is open to anyone looking to work off some of that mega-meal. Look up the nearest location at Goldsgym.com.

Photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post