Local Trainers Share Their Top Tips for Staying Motivated & Balanced This Holiday Season

The holidays are officially here and with them come packed schedules, gatherings, travel, indulgent meals, and plenty of joyful chaos. It’s a fun time of year, but it can also make it tough to stay consistent with movement, routines, or even just taking a moment for yourself.

To help you keep your body and mind feeling good through the season, we asked three Boston-area trainers to share their best advice for staying motivated, grounded, and balanced. Their answers are honest, encouraging, and full of small habits that make a big impact.

1. Cat Cunningham: “A little goes a long way.”

For Cat Cunningham — strength coach, founder of brunch club run club, and clinical social worker — the key to staying consistent during the holidays is flexibility, not perfection. Schedules shift, routines change, and life gets busy, but you’re still in control of the choices that make you feel good.

Her biggest reminders:

• Be intentional. Holiday stress is real, but small, mindful decisions help anchor your day.

• Stay hydrated & find moderation. Say yes to a mocktail, or alternate water between drinks. Better hydration means better sleep — and more energy to move.

• Book a class. Whether you’re traveling or need a break from hosting, a scheduled class adds accountability and a dose of community.

• Go for a walk. Morning, midday, or after dinner — movement changes your mental state and helps with digestion.

• Keep it simple. Even 5-15 minutes of movement counts. Pick 3 moves (squats, planks, lunges, pushups, etc.) and cycle them for 30 seconds each until your timer goes off.

And most importantly, Cat reminds us: “One workout, one meal, or one holiday does not undo all of your consistent effort.” Let this season be a mix of connection, rest, and choices that support your goals.

2. Patrick Jennings: “Plan ahead, stay grounded, and don’t wait for January.”

Patrick Jennings — owner and trainer at First Guess Fitness — brings ten powerhouse tips designed to help you stay on track without sacrificing fun.

A few standouts:

• Act in accordance with your ideal self. No matter where you are or who you’re with, you're in control of your decision making.

• Make a plan, and then a backup plan. We’re more likely to follow through when we schedule things ahead of time.

• Do not live in extremes. One night of indulgence won’t derail progress, and one perfect day won’t make or break you either.

• Move however you can. Even a 15-minute circuit at home beats skipping movement entirely.

• Don’t underestimate a good walk. Fresh air, less screen time, fewer snacks — it all adds up.

• Don’t write off the year. Staying somewhat consistent now means entering 2026 confident, energized, and ahead of the game.

• Don't do it alone. Lean on your people. Accountability and connection make everything easier.

• Have fun. Movement should be something you enjoy, not another holiday stressor.

Patrick’s reminder: “You deserve to feel your best — not just in January, but right now.”

3. Ally Lindsey: “Move in ways that feel good.”

SoulCycle instructor and trainer Ally Lindsey keeps things beautifully simple: Enjoy the season, honor your body, and don’t overthink it.

Her philosophy is all about gentle consistency:

• Take a short walk after dinner.

• Stretch for a few minutes in the morning.

• Dance in the kitchen.

• Take a class when you can.

• Show up for yourself in small, meaningful ways.

Ally’s holiday mantra: “Give yourself grace, keep it simple, and have an amazing holiday season.”

This Season, Think Balance — Not Perfection

If there’s one theme across all three trainers, it’s this: You don’t need perfect routines to feel healthy during the holidays. You just need small, intentional moments of movement, rest, connection, and self-care.

Take the walk. Book the class. Drink the water. Enjoy the meal. Show up for yourself and for the joy around you in whatever ways feel right this season.