How Boston Fitness Pros Protect Their Mental Health
- Fit Scene Boston
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
In honor of World Mental Health Day, we asked four local instructors to share how they protect their mental well-being — inside and outside the studio.
In the fitness world, we often talk about physical strength but mental health is just as important. For many instructors, taking care of their minds is what allows them to show up fully for their communities. From therapy to long walks to mindful rituals, these four Boston fitness professionals remind us that caring for yourself goes far beyond the gym.
1. Remember: The gym isn’t therapy — and that’s okay.
For Backyard coach Kara Lennon, fitness is an outlet, but it’s not a replacement for mental health care.
“I’m a huge advocate for whatever version of therapy suits you, but the gym is not ‘therapy.’ Talking to a professional can be hugely impactful for your mental health,” Kara says.
She also leans on small, grounding rituals — long walks, breathwork, and making time for loved ones — as everyday tools to reset.
2. Create space to reconnect with yourself.
For Barry’s and EverybodyFights instructor Adrian Bispham, mental health care is all about intentional recovery.
“Just like you should stretch before and after workouts to stay mobile and prevent injury, I like to do things to make sure my mind stays calm and flexible,” he explains.
From meditation and journaling to therapy and calming playlists, Adrian uses mindfulness to keep his thoughts in check and his nervous system steady.
“No matter how bad the storm in the moment feels, there’s always a blue sky behind it.”
3. Protect your energy and set boundaries.
Yoga instructor Shazie Senen believes mental health starts with being intentional about your time and energy.
“I make space for quiet moments whether that’s reading, journaling, or simply disconnecting to ground myself,” she says.
Her go-to tool? EFT tapping. “It helps me release stress, calm my nervous system, and shift my mindset whenever things start to get overwhelming.”
Shazie also finds balance in short outdoor walks or quick catch-ups with friends that help her feel connected and recharged.
4. Move through your thoughts — literally.
For yoga instructor and JOYN founder Tobey Stohr, walking has become both meditation and therapy.
“It feels like an incredible practice of working through your thoughts while also moving your body,” Tobey says.
On long days, he gives himself permission to slow down — whether that’s taking a solo walk, heading to the movie theater, or ordering takeout after teaching from sunrise to sunset.
His mental health journey has evolved deeply over time:
“I started attending therapy, practicing walking meditation, and eventually removed alcohol from my life. The more I leaned into these efforts, the more I felt connected to myself and to those around me.”
What We Learned from Boston’s Fitness Pros
What stood out in every conversation wasn’t a single “fix” or secret — it was a mindset.
💬 Mental health takes active care. From breathwork to therapy, they all carve out time to check in with themselves.
🌿 Simple rituals can be powerful. Walks, journaling, and mindful breaks can make a difference, even on the busiest days.
🤝 Connection matters. Whether it’s setting boundaries, talking with someone, or building community, none of us have to do it alone.
💪 Fitness supports — but doesn’t replace — mental health. Movement is a powerful tool, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
This World Mental Health Day, let their stories be a reminder to give your mental health the same care, intention, and consistency as your workouts.
💚 Read more stories from Boston’s fitness community at fitscene.co
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