A Little Less Pressure, A Lot More Movement: Holiday Advice from Boston Fit Pros

The holiday season is here, and between travel plans, family gatherings, and a calendar that seems to fill up overnight, keeping up with your usual fitness routine can feel like another thing on your to-do list.

But here's your reminder: movement doesn't have to be all or nothing.

As we head into Thanksgiving and the busy weeks ahead, we asked four familiar faces from Boston's fitness community to share their advice for staying active without the pressure, the little habits that help them feel their best, and what they're grateful for this season.

Meet our local fit pros:

• Dr. Nathalie Alexis — Psychologist, Pilates instructor at Core Connection Studio
• Alex Apgar — Yoga instructor at Down Under School of Yoga
• Kim Garcia — Co-Owner of Elevate Fitness Boston and AAPT Boston
• Evan LeBlanc — Owner of Boston Road Runners

Here's what they had to say!

Give Yourself Grace

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and your fitness routine doesn't need to look exactly the same as it does the rest of the year.

"My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself grace and let go of the all-or-nothing mindset," says Dr. Nathalie. "As both a psychologist and Pilates instructor, I always emphasize that movement should add to your life, not become another source of stress."

Kim agrees that enjoying what you're doing is just as important as showing up.

"So much of staying active is actually enjoying what you're doing, and if you're constantly stressing about getting a workout in or putting pressure on yourself, you're kind of missing the point."

She reminds us that a few days, or even a couple of weeks, off schedule won't undo all the work we've put in. Instead, she suggests making movement part of the holiday fun, whether that's walking with family, signing up for a Turkey Trot, or squeezing in a quick HIIT workout.

And when your schedule simply doesn't allow for your usual routine? Alex has a reminder worth remembering.

"Never be afraid to take a day off. There's no guilt in doing a little less."

Both Dr. Nathalie and Kim also encourage us to ditch the idea that we need to earn our holiday meals or compensate for enjoying them.

As Dr. Nathalie puts it, "Movement is a form of self-care. Your fitness routine will still be there after the holidays!"

Small Moves, Big Impact

When life gets busy, sometimes the smallest habits make the biggest difference.

Alex encourages us to embrace what he calls movement snacks: a 15-minute walk, gentle yoga, stretching, or a leisurely bike ride.

"Movement is medicine, and connecting with our bodies, even in the smallest capacity, pays dividends. You don't always need an hour-long, kick-your-ass class to feel strong, grounded, and at home in your body."

Kim is also a big fan of walking, even if it's just 15–30 minutes outside or on a treadmill. And when her schedule gets hectic, she makes time for foam rolling, acuballs, or a few simple stretches.

"It's such a simple way to get moving and clear my head without having to think too much about it."

For Evan, a quick 20-minute yoga session or walk helps relieve tension and reset when life gets stressful.

And sometimes, the best thing we can do is slow down altogether.

"I've learned that feeling my best doesn't always mean doing more. It usually means recognizing when my body needs me to do less," shares Dr. Nathalie.

The takeaway? You don't need an hour-long workout to make movement meaningful. Sometimes a few minutes of intentional movement are exactly what your body needs.

Grateful for the Community That Moves Us

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we couldn't resist asking our local fit pros what they're most grateful for when it comes to movement.

And while their answers were personal, one thing stood out: community.

For Dr. Nathalie, the connections she's made through teaching Pilates and creating Mat and Mind have been especially meaningful.

"As a Black woman in the wellness industry, I know how important representation and inclusivity are, and I'm grateful to be in a position where I can help create spaces where people feel welcomed, supported, and safe showing up exactly as they are."

That sense of belonging is something Kim knows well. Through Elevate, she's built relationships with trainers, clients, and friends who have become like family.

"I get to work alongside my best friend and husband, Ramon, which is pretty special (most days, haha). And my Tuesday and Thursday morning workouts with my crew, led by Cam, are honestly some of my favorite hours of the week. I get to just show up, work hard, laugh, and enjoy the people around me."

For Evan, the magic happens when people come together through running. He encourages people to explore run clubs that offer more than just miles, from shoe demos to social runs with food afterward.

"Community is key for accountability and making it fun." And it's those connections that make his role as a run club leader especially rewarding.

"As a run club leader, I am able to observe friendships and relationships forming each week. Seeing the support that's shared throughout the community is truly special."

Alex shares that appreciation for the people who continue to show up and make Boston's fitness community what it is.

"This time of year, I'm especially grateful for the wonderful students who make the time to show up, whether once a week or every single day. I'm equally grateful for the badass fitness community here in Boston, which continues to inspire me to connect, show up, and make movement fun and accessible in this beautiful city."

It's a reminder that fitness is about so much more than the workout itself. It's about the people we meet, the connections we make, and the communities that keep us coming back.

A Little Less Pressure This Holiday Season

If there's one thing our Boston fit pros agree on, it's that consistency doesn't have to mean perfection.

Maybe your usual workout gets replaced with a walk, a stretch, a social run, or a few quiet minutes to yourself. Maybe you take an extra rest day. Whatever movement looks like for you this season, there's no need to make it another source of pressure.

This Thanksgiving, we're grateful for the instructors, studios, run clubs, and everyday movers who make Boston's fitness community what it is.

Here's to moving more, stressing less, and appreciating the people who make it all worth it.

Pictured: Kim Garcia, Alex Apgar, Dr. Nathalie Alexis, Evan LeBlanc