By Genevieve Judge, Local News 8 Reporter

POCATELLO - On average the typical Thanksgiving meal can be around 4,000 calories.  Our daily intake is only supposed to be around 2,500 calories.  Local News 8 talks turkey with local gym goers on why they're exercising now rather than later.

"I'm trying to burn some calories to try and keep my weight gain a little lower," said Cindy Chandler. 

Cindy and her son Justin are working off calories now so they can enjoy a moderate Thanksgiving feast later.

"Maybe say no to the whole pumpkin pie.  But mainly probably just not eat as much," said Justin Chandler.

"It gives me added inspiration so I don't have to spend 20 minutes blowing 100 calories.  That is definitely at least a slice of pumpkin pie," said Cindy.

Scott Dye, General Manager at World Gym in Pocatello, says cardio is the way to go when you're trying to lose that extra weight around the holidays.

"Maybe get a little jogging in.  Maybe don't put all the calories down tonight and tomorrow but wait until Thanksgiving for them all," said Dye.

Dye also adds that you can hit the weights but running or doing a brisk walk is the way to burn the most calories. 

So just how many calories are we talking?  Let's talk turkey.  Just a six ounce mix of white and dark meat can equal 350 calories.  A cup of stuffing add 390 calories. 

Can't pass up the mashed potatoes?  A cup will be 300 calories.  If you want to add gravy to that you'll need to add 300 calories. 

400 is the number of calories in a cup of sweet potatoes.

Would you like to sop up what is left on your plate with some rolls?  Tack on 220 calories.

Did you want dessert too?  A piece of pie will cost you around 500 calories.  All that alone will be 2460 calories.

Keep in mind we didn't talk cranberries, green bean casserole or beverages.  When it comes to the Thanksgiving feast moderation is key.

"Try not to over eat too much at dinner.  I know it's a hard thing.  Try getting a little bit of jogging in, maybe even a walk afterwards.  Something nice to get yourself moving," said Dye.

For Cindy and Justin they say their hard work now in the gym will allow them to enjoy Thanksgiving guilt free Thursday.

"I'm going to enjoy myself.  Try and eat one slice of pumpkin pie and stay away from pops and have a lot of turkey," said Cindy.

To give you an idea of just how long it can take you to work off a slice of pumpkin pie, Dye says you're looking at around a half hour to an hour of cardio to get rid of those calories.