It's an unfortunate truth that often when we're most in need of a workout, we're least motivated to actually get active. Sometimes we need practical strategies to pull us out of the funk, and other times we need some words of motivation.
They say just getting to your workout is half the battle—and whether you believe that or not, it's undeniable that being clear about your goals and what's actually motivating you will help ensure your success. For all the exercise-themed words of wisdom that stick with you for years, there are plenty of cheesy, cringe-worthy lines doled out on the regular—but we sorted through countless snippets to highlight a few of the most inspirational quotes to get you up and moving—plus a few funny quotes that might boost your mood enough to get you to your next workout.
Why 10,000 Steps? Here's Where This Daily Fitness Goal Comes From—and Whether It's Worth Following
01of 37
"The hardest thing about exercise is to start doing it. Once you are doing exercise regularly, the hardest thing is to stop it."
– Erin Gray
02of 37
"Success isn't always about 'greatness', it's about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. Greatness will come."
– Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
03of 37
"All progress takes place outside the comfort zone."
– Michael John Bobak
04of 37
"My father used to say that it's never too late to do anything you wanted to do. And he said, 'You never know what you can accomplish until you try.'"
– Michael Jordan
05of 37
"I love how I look. I am a full woman and I'm strong, and I'm powerful, and I'm beautiful at the same time."
– Serena Williams
06of 37
"Take care of your body. It's the one place you have to live."
– Jim Rohn
07of 37
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for 20 years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run."
– John Bingham
08of 37
"Going to the gym is great for your body, but it's also great for your mind."
– Rory McIlroy
09of 37
"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."
– Henry David Thoreau
10of 37
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
– Jim Ryun
11of 37
"If you're tired of starting over—quit giving up."
– Anonymous
12of 37
"It's going to be a journey. It's not a sprint to get in shape."
– Kerri Walsh Jennings
13of 37
"Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed."
– Misty Copeland
14of 37
"There is always going to be a reason why you can't do something; your job is to constantly look for the reasons why you can achieve your dreams."
– Shannon Miller
15of 37
"I think it's good to see somebody saying: I have a belly. And I have cellulite. And I still deserve love."
– Amy Schumer
16of 37
"It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wears you out; it's the pebble in your shoe."
– Muhammad Ali
17of 37
"When I feel tired, I just think about how great I will feel once I finally reach my goal."
– Michael Phelps
18of 37
"What I know for sure is this: The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal for this year is, you can get there—as long as you're willing to be honest with yourself about the preparation and work involved. There are no back doors, no free rides. There's just you, this moment, and a choice."
– Oprah
19of 37
"It's not so much that I began to run, but that I continued."
– Hal Higdon
20of 37
"Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. People can't stop you. Only you can stop you."
– Jeffrey Gitomer
How to Start Running, Whether You're Out of Practice or a Total Beginner
21of 37
“If you don’t make time for exercise, you’ll probably have to make time for illness.”
—Robin Sharma
22of 37
“The first time I see a jogger smiling, I'll consider it.”
—Joan Rivers
23of 37
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
—Mark Twain
24of 37
“Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded."
—Wayne Dye
25of 37
“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up."
—Babe Ruth
26of 37
"Don't waste so much time thinking about how much you weigh. There is no more mind-numbing, boring, idiotic, self-destructive diversion from the fun of living."
—Meryl Streep
27of 37
“The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow.”
—Stephen Richards
28of 37
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
—Michael Jordan
29of 37
"Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
—Muhammad Ali
30of 37
“What seems impossible today will one day become your warmup.”
—Unknown
31of 37
“I really don’t think I need buns of steel. I’d be happier with buns of cinnamon.”
—Ellen DeGeneres
32of 37
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
—Yoda,Star Wars
33of 37
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.”
—Tommy Lasorda
34of 37
“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.”
—George Halas
35of 37
“The most annoying are those people in exceptionally good shape at the gym. I’m like, ‘What are you doing here? You’re done.’"
—Jim Gaffigan
36of 37
“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done."
—Thomas Jefferson
37of 37
“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don't, pretend that you do, and at some point, you will.”
—Venus Williams