RALEIGH, N.C -- Americans ate a lot of turkey on Thanksgiving Day--more than 44 million turkeys, according to the National Turkey Federation--and some in Raleigh tried to sweat out the calories as soon as possible.

  • Some used Raleigh's greenways to run or bike, while others stayed inside by working out in a gym.
  • People on both sides said they made health a year-round priority
  • The Calorie Control Council estimated Americans plowed through an average of 4,500 calories per person on Thanksgiving.

"It's probably the most important time to run," said Chuck Blatchley, who spent the weekend after Thanksgiving running along Raleigh's Crabtree Creek. "Everybody does overeat during these holidays, especially having all of these days off."

Some used Raleigh's greenways to run or bike this weekend, while others stayed inside by working out in a gym. People on both sides said they made health a year-round priority, and hope others do the same before the New Year's rush.

"Just start small," said Cliff Kohut, owner of 12th State Crossfit. "Start with little steps. Start with going on a walk after a meal, and then maybe that walk turns into going to a gym twice a week."

"Never stop running, just keep doing it the whole year," added Dieter Fassnacht, Blatchley's running partner. "If it's too hot in August, you run. If it's too cold in the winter, you run, you keep at it."

There's a lot of turkey to sweat out--the Calorie Control Council estimated Americans plowed through an average of 4,500 calories per person on Thanksgiving.