20 Motivational Exercise Quotes to Get You Through (or to) Your Next Workout

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. There have been some standout quotes spewed at me off-the-cuff in workout classes over the years, and many have stuck with me when I'm in need of a push. Equinox's Loi Jordon noted that if she can do the cycling class while instructing, surely we can do it given that we aren't exerting extra energy speaking and hyping up a room. In the middle of a particularly grueling sprint, Barry's instructor Todd Mendiola told the class to think of all the people who would give anything just to run for a minute any time we're considering giving up and walking. While Rumble co-founder Noah Neiman put it simply: "If you want to look like you walk, walk; if you want to look like you run, run."

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. These sayings might be just what you need to keep you from skipping your next workout, giving up when the going gets tough, having negative self-thoughts, or caving to your desire to plant yourself on the couch with a sleeve of Oreos.