Commentary by Kara Babcock

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, it’s that time of year for apple-picking and pumpkins. While taking your family out to all the fun fall festivals this fall, I’m sure you are picking out the perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween. While pumpkins are the best Halloween décor and delicious to use for baking, they are also perfect to use for workout equipment. Here are a few great pumpkin exercises from Baby Boot Camp-Carmel, Noblesville and Fishers to do with your friends and little ones to help get you into the “spooky” season!

Side lunging Pumpkins

The side lunge works the muscle on the side of the pelvis as well as the inner thighs.

• Holding your pumpkin in both hands, stand with your feet and knees together.
• Take a large step with your left foot to the left side, and lunge toward the floor. Lower your pumpkin to the ground in front of you.
• Make sure your left knee does not extend past your toes, and keep your right leg relatively straight.
• Push off through your left foot to return to the start to complete one side lunge.

Do three sets of 10 on each side.

Seated Pumpkin Twists

This move targets your obliques, and adding a heavy pumpkin increases the challenge.

• Holding your pumpkin in both hands, sit on the ground with your knees bent and your heels about a foot from your butt.
• Lean slightly back without rounding your spine at all.
• Pull your navel to your spine, and twist slowly to the left, bringing the weight to your left side. Inhale and rotate to the right. This completes one rep.  Do 16 full rotations.