Mental Health & Movement: Advice from Boston’s Fitness Pros

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while we all know the boost a good sweat session can give the body, movement is just as powerful for the mind. At Fit Scene, we believe that mental and physical wellness go hand in hand, and who better to speak on that than the local fitness professionals who live and breathe this balance every day?

We reached out to some of Boston's inspiring instructors and wellness leaders to learn how they prioritize their mental health, the daily practices that keep them grounded, and the advice they have for anyone looking to strengthen both body and mind.

1. Movement That Heals

Across the board, these fitness pros rely on movement not just to stay fit, but to manage stress, process emotions, and feel more connected to themselves.

“When people bring yoga and movement into their daily routine, it’s so clear to see how they become more adaptable in their mindset,” shared Samantha Cronin, a South Boston psychotherapist and yoga instructor. “I firmly believe that mobility crosses over directly into one’s mindset.”

For Katrina Parsons, a cycling instructor at The Handle Bar, movement is a much-needed break from the grind of tech sales. “Fitness allows me to disconnect from the screens around me and be selfish with my time,” she said. Just 45-60 minutes a day gives her space to reset mentally and feel strong physically.

Alyssa Pannozzi, a longtime instructor at Rev’d Fitness, echoed that connection between body and mind: “Taking a little bit of time out of your day to move can really improve your mood. It’s rare that I feel worse after a workout than when I started it! It’s all about the mental health to me.”

Whether it's a sweaty spin class or a quiet run outdoors, every one of them emphasized the power of movement to reset the mind.

2. Grounding Routines & Feel-Good Habits

Mental wellness isn’t just about the big moments, it’s about the small, consistent ones too. For Samantha, that means morning and evening routines. “Journaling for five minutes a day gives you uninterrupted time to reflect. Getting to bed around the same time and having slow intentional mornings are my favorite ways to stay attuned to my needs.”

Chrissy Snyder, who teaches barre, strength, and yoga. leans into music for an energy boost. “Put music on all times of day no matter what you’re doing."

Group fitness also came up as a favorite feel-good strategy. Katrina put it simply: “Working out with friends always puts me in the best mood!”

3. Mental Health is a Team Sport

While solo time is important, connection and community are recurring themes in how these leaders stay grounded.

“It’s less about the workout and more about the teamwork,” said Alyssa. “Coming together with people to do hard things — that’s everything. I always leave in a better mood.”

The mental health journey is rarely a solo one. From taking classes with fellow instructors to making time for therapy, every response made one thing clear: support matters.

“Running outside clears my head and gives me space to reset,” said Chrissy. “But honestly, connecting with my wife during our day-to-day routine is just as important. That sense of partnership relieves so much stress.”

4. Advice for Anyone Feeling Overwhelmed

Each expert had their own tools to manage overwhelm, but they all came back to the same core idea: slow down, simplify, and show yourself grace.

“Strip away the pressure to perform at your best every time,” said Chrissy. “Some days, the win is simply showing up.”

Samantha encourages her clients to ground themselves with a short mindfulness moment or body scan. “Check in with your body and ask: what’s in my control right now, and what’s not?”

Alyssa offered this perspective: “You’re going to have good days and bad days. I’ve learned to lean into both and face them head on. You don’t have to solve everything at once.”

And for Katrina, it’s all about breaking things down: “Take a step back and put things in perspective. Break it into manageable chunks, prepare for different outcomes and talk with someone to get it off your chest. "

Final Reflection

Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all and that’s exactly what makes these voices so powerful. Whether it’s journaling, hitting a spin class, or simply showing up, every small step adds up. Take what resonates, try something new, and don’t forget: your mental wellness is just as important as your physical strength.

Want more inspiration in your day?

Follow these incredible instructors on social or catch a class to keep the feel-good vibes high:

• 🧘‍♀️ Samantha Cronin – @sammyjcronin

  Psychotherapist & Yoga Instructor

  Teaching at: Evolve Power Yoga, East Side Yoga, Capella Yoga (Quincy)

• 💪 Alyssa Pannozzi – @therealapbp

  Indoor Cycling & Strength Instructor

  Teaching at: Rev’d (Copley, Dedham, Foxboro), The Playground (Foxboro)

• 🚴‍♀️ Katrina Parsons – @trinybop

  Indoor Cycling Instructor

  Teaching at: The Handle Bar (North Station, Kendall Square, South End, Fenway)

• 🎧 Chrissy Snyder – @chrissymsnyder

  Movement Instructor: Yoga, Barre, Strength, HIIT

  Teaching at: Format, Soma Yoga Center

  
  

And of course, stay connected with the Fit Scene community on Instagram at @fitscenebos —We’d love to hear from you: What’s your go-to mental health ritual?