If you have been reading my blog you know that I don’t believe exercise has to be a big production.
Sometimes we just don’t have the time to change into our special workout outfit, go out and buy fancy weights or head to the gym for two hours.
You can still maintain your fitness without sacrificing your valuable time.
For instance, a medicine ball is a weighted ball that can be used in a variety of different fat burning exercises.
Don’t have a medicine ball? No problem!
Since Fall is upon us, you won’t make it too far without tripping over a pumpkin.
Pumpkins are everywhere!
So, before I stuff my face with all the delicious pumpkin-flavored foods (Pumpkin Butter, Pasta with Pumpkin Sauce), I thought I’d try out some fat burning exercises with a pumpkin.
Fat Burning Exercises with a Pumpkin
*This post contains an affiliate link, and, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase.
Before working out I always like to warm up for 5-10 minutes. I like to do jumping jacks, jump rope, run in place or run around my yard. It’s important to warm up your muscles before you start to lift.
1. Pumpkin Pushup: Start in a plank position with your hands on the pumpkin. Slowly lower down then push up. *Note: You can modify this workout by going on your knees.
2. Lunges with Pumpkin: Start in a standing position with your feet together and the pumpkin up by your chest. Take a step out in front of your bending your knee in a lunge position. Slowly lower the pumpkin to the outside of your knee as you go down. Repeat on the other side.
3. Deep squat with overhead press: With a straight back squat deeply bringing the pumpkin down by your feet. Then, slowly rise up and push the pumpkin above your head.
4. Pumpkin jump: Stand behind the pumpkin with slightly bent knees. Jump over the pumpkin making sure to bend your knees on the landing.
5. Ab Twist: Sit on the ground with the pumpkin in your hands with bent elbows. Lean back slightly. Slowly twist the pumpkin from the right to the left working your ab muscles.
Once you are finished cooling off, be sure to cut that pumpkin open, scoop out the seeds and roast them for a tasty snack!
Interested in some more medicine ball/pumpkin fat burning exercises? Check out 25 Must-Try Medicine Ball Exercises on Greatist.
Unfortunately, pumpkin season will come to an end. Here’s a top-reviewed medicine ball to purchase for those long winter months.
Have you ever tried an unconventional workout? Let me know what it was in the comment section below!
Ho-lee cow…are you in shape! Good for you, and loving the pumpkin idea!
Kristen recently posted…Proper Potty Protocol
Kristen- Oh! You are so sweet. Thank you and thanks for stopping by!
I love that you use everyday items in your workouts. It makes me feel like maybe I (the girl who NEVER works out) could do it.
Lauren- I like to make working out easy. If it’s such a chore you aren’t as likely to do it. Thanks for stopping by!
Talk about resourceful!
Hello! Anna here. Nice to “meet” you!
In all my pumpkin-owning years I have never thought to use one as a piece of exercise equipment! Love this!
🙂 Anna
Anna recently posted…Blingin’ Bulldogs
Anna- haha, I like to use whatever I can to get a workout in. I thought of it as I was carrying the pumpkin back from the farm. Thanks for stopping by! Nice to “meet” you as well.
Pretty sure I would be needing a much smaller pumpkin to complete this one!
JenEverAfter recently posted…Dead Pumpkin Talking {or How To Make Pumpkin Pie Using Real Pumpkins!}
JenEverAfter- That’s the beauty of using pumpkins- you can get whatever size you feel comfortable. Thanks for your comment and stopping by.
That is a great idea! I never would have thought to do that.
Robin- Thanks! And, thanks for stopping by.
I LOVE the pumpkin-themed workout for the holidays – very cute…and functional. The most unconventional workout that I had was using jugs of water for weights.
Yona Williams recently posted…Company Highlight: Tory Burch
Yona- Jugs of water- smart! You can use a lot of different everyday items to lift instead of going out to buy weights. Thanks for stopping by!
Love this! It did make me laugh a little, but what a great idea!!
Mary Kay- haha! Thanks for your comment.
That is creativity at its finest. I’ve never thought of using a pumpkin as a workout aid, but it makes perfect sense. Those things aren’t light!
Stacey – Craft Blogger recently posted…The BOOK OF LIFE World Market Exclusives & Sweepstakes
Stacey- Thanks so much! Yes, you could use a smaller or bigger pumpkin depending on the type of workout you want to do.
This is the best thing ever! Just show you don’t need a gym to work out!
Jillian Fisher recently posted…Super Bright Longest Lasting Glow Stick Bracelets Review
Jilian- You definitely do not need a gym to workout. I’m not the biggest gym fan in the world, so I like to do whatever I can at home. Thanks for your comment.
What a great idea! I never would have thought to use pumpkins for makeshift weights!
Carly Anderson recently posted…Grey + Black
Carly- Thank you! I like to use whatever I can to get a work out in.
I have the perfect pumpkin for this outside. I need to do some ab twists. Thanks for the tips.
Melissa Matters recently posted…6 Things I Loved as a Kid (but Not as a Parent)
Melissa- Let me know if you try the workout! Thanks for your comment.
This is so cute! I pinned it too. We have 4 pumpkins right now.. and they would give me a seriously good workout.. very creative idea!
Lauren recently posted…Jake & the Never Land Pirates Battle for the Book & the Epic Battle Build Sweepstakes!
Lauren- Thank you and thanks for the pin! Yes, some pumpkins will give you a better workout than others.
I do not like to work out 🙂 but that is a very good idea and use of the pumpkin.
Kungphoo- Thank you! Maybe you’ll give it a try?
What a great idea! I love that your using everyday item and showing how you can use it in a workout. The pumpkin idea is awesome. Btw… your baby is a cutie! I would love for you to come over and share your pumpkin workout at the Click and Chat Link up Party , going on now . http://www.thisolemom.com Have a great week, Kim
Kim- I did link up. Great party! Thank you. haha, I was wondering if anyone would spot my son trying to workout with me in the background. Thanks for stopping by!
Pumpkins can be as heavy or light as you want them too, so this is a fun idea! It’s also even more of a reason for us to get to the pumpkin patch this weekend. 🙂
Rosey recently posted…$150 BuyDig.com Gift Card Giveaway!
Rosey- Exactly! You can definitely modify this workout to fit your needs. Hope you had a great time at the pumpkin patch. Thanks for stopping by!
This is just amazing. Love it!!
lindsey recently posted…5 Tips for Taking the Best Holiday Photo Ever
Lindsey- Thanks so much! And, thank you for stopping by!
So funny to use a pumpkin! I bet it’s a lot heavier than my 5 lb weight! Great way to use up the pumpkin after Halloween too. Sharing on facebook!
Kim @ Life is a Lullaby recently posted…Click & Chat Link Up Party #30
Kim- Yes, my husband was laughing at me while I was doing my workout! It may look funny, but it was definitely a good workout! Thanks for sharing.
I love it, so creative! My daughter would actually enjoy watching me do this and partake (she is very into pumpkins). I also want to try the Pumpkin Butter you mention in the beginning. Yum!
Noa recently posted…Mommy and Me Spa Day In 5 Easy Steps – Featuring Burt’s Bees
Noa- Yes, if you look closely you can see my son in the background trying to do the workout too. I hope you like the workout and the pumpkin butter! Thanks for stopping by!
What a fab way to use your in season resources!
Dawn @ Pin-n-Tell recently posted…{A Healthy Life for Me} Pin-spiration Challenge : Halloween Cocktails
Dawn- Thanks! I like to use whatever I can.
You are so creative in workouts and are an inspiration in that you did more than one rep! Haha. I’m just thinking of what I’d do 😛
Going to share this on twitter!
Alana recently posted…My Dislike of Developmental Charts
Alana- Thanks so much and thanks for sharing! haha, It’s easier to do more than one rep when you have pumpkin on the mind!
This is very creative. I like exercising with a ball but this is a great twist on it
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I love finding things around the house I can exercise with without having to spend any extra money on equipment!
Rachelle- Yes, I’m the same way. If I have to go out and purchase it I sometimes don’t get to it. It’s easier this way! Thanks for your comment.
This is such a great idea!! My husband travels and it’s nearly impossible for me to go to a gym, so I am in desperate need of ways to work out while I’m with my toddler. I will definitely do this!! Thanks so much!! <3
Nikki @ MBAsahm recently posted…10 Reasons to STOP Breastfeeding
Nikki- Thank you! I’m glad I could help. I don’t really like the gym too much, so I like to do workouts at home.
This is such a great idea! My husband travels and it’s nearly impossible for me to go to a gym, so I am in desperate need of ways to work out while I’m with my toddler. I will definitely do this!! Thanks so much!! <3
Nikki @ MBAsahm recently posted…10 Reasons to STOP Breastfeeding
this is classic! maybe you should add sticking a pumpkin in a stroller with your kid and walking! i love walking with my little guy… such a fat burner!
nicole recently posted…The Right One.
Nicole- Oh yeah, you could definitely do that! I love walking too. I’m training for my first half marathon coming up in November, so I’ve been out there as much as I can. I like your idea of adding weight!
Such a fun way to exercise!! I love this idea, and with all the pumpkins I have laying around my house, I have NO excuse!!
Bianca recently posted…5 Ways To Helping A New Mom
Bianca- Yes, you can casually do a workout as you move around your house! Thanks for your comment and thanks for stopping by!
What a fun idea. My little ones would love to “work out” with me doing this! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…Soft Gingerbread Cookies with Cinnamon Drizzle
Elizabeth- Thank you! Yes, my little one snuck into the background of the photos since he wanted to join. Thanks for your comment.
How fantastic! Pumpkins can be pretty heavy, what a great concept. Looks like you were inspiring the little one too! How awesome to be able to teach your kiddos there is always more than just one way to do something!
Danielle- Yes! My son wanted to join in on the fun. Thanks for your comment and stopping by!
I love that you utilized the pumpkin like a weight ball. Very creative! Great workout!
Jaime Nicole recently posted…Halloween Snacks: Mad Scientist Spinach Artichoke Dip
Jaime- Thank you! I like to use whatever I can.
this is super cool – i hate to exercise so this makes it more fun than a chore!
Stephanie- I like to make exercising fun so I’m more likely to do it! Thanks for your comment.
What a fun idea! Will have to try it sometime!!
Marya- Thanks for your comment and thanks for stopping by!
I would have never thought to use a pumpkin to work out with! What a genius idea! Get it girl!
Maggie- Thank you!
That is a cool use of the pumpkin!
Elizabeth- Thank you!
I’ve used soup cans and things like that but never a pumpkin. However, that’s a pretty great idea!
Liz Mays recently posted…6 Ways to Save on Beef and Other Facts To Help You #KnowYourBeef
Liz- Soup cans are a great idea! I love using things I have lying around the house. Thanks for your comment.
What a brilliant way to use a pumpkin! I wonder if the exercises would work with a toddler as the weight instead? (I seem to have a few of those running around and amok.) Thanks for this post!
Deborah @ mommycrusader recently posted…HalloweenCostumes.com Review
Deborah- I’m sure a toddler would work! It might give you more of a challenge! Thanks for commenting and stopping by.
You look hot!!!!! Those mama legs, though. 🙂 And I do agree with you. We do have to be creative when it comes to working out. It doesn’t have to be stuck with one thing, but we make use of whatever we got. Prior to us having a Gym membership, I work at home and I workout with my kids. Love the Pumpkin workout. 🙂
Adin- Aw, thank you! You are so sweet. Yes, I’m not a huge fan of the gym so I like to whatever I can at home.
Using a pumpkin! Smart, smart, smart!!!
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Jennifer- Thank you!
The best decision I ever made was getting the ebook Woman’s weight loss secrets: and now your tips it so sweet.