MATTOON - Instead of lounging around Thursday waiting to gorge themselves on turkey dinner, about 40 people attended the YMCA's Early Bird Feels the Burn exercise program.

The event lasted two hours and allowed participants a chance to stretch and bend using several exercise techniques including Pilates, tai chi, step aerobics, kickboxing, high low and sports conditioning.

This is the fourth year for the program and each year a mix of YMCA members and non-members attend hoping to boost their energy through a day which can be long and stressful.

Julia Boyd, YMCA trainer and consultant, said there is a misconception that exercising drains a person's energy. It actually helps build stamina, she said.

"It's a proven fact that exercise helps reduce stress," said Boyd.

She believes some people are attracted to the program because of the different exercise methods offered. People who have never tried Pilates, tai chi or kickboxing can see if they like it and whether they like the instructors, Boyd said.

Thanksgiving is a time when families and friends gather and for Boyd, the Early Bird Feels the Burn program also provided a meeting place. Participating in the program were Boyd's friend Lora Shrake of Indianapolis and Boyd's sister-in-law, Stephanie Boyd of Chicago.

After exercising, Shrake said she felt wide awake. She joked she thought she would go and exercise Thursday morning and then return to bed, but that wasn't the case.

Shrake said she had never tried Pilates and would consider signing up for classes in Indianapolis.

"I worked harder than I thought I would," she said.

Mitch Saret returned to the program again this year to instruct tai chi. Tai chi appears to be easy and some people, who have never done it, don't think it's challenging, he said.

"People often see tai chi as silly, but if you do it right, it can be quite a work out," said Saret, who instructs classes at the YMCA and owns Karate USA in Charleston.

Exercising helps burn calories but Boyd reminded participants before they left the gymnasium that even though they had exercised, they still should eat in moderation Thursday.

Krista Lewin can be reached at klewin@;jg-tc.com or 238-6858.