Quote collections are one of my favorite sources of inspiration! Any time you need a little extra dose of motivation to get moving, check out any of these words of wisdom (be sure to pin and share your faves!).
What do you think are the best motivational quotes for working out? Share your top picks with us in the comments!
#1: “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Henry David Thoreau
This is one of my favorite quotes because it is so true. While we’re often so focused on what we’ll get when we achieve our goals, we don’t realize how much evolution happens on the way there! Working towards your goals is the transformational part — and learning to enjoy and evolve during the process can be the difference between happiness and contentment now versus thinking everything will change once you arrive at your destination. Every step forward (no matter how small!) is a step towards your personal growth!
#2: “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” – Jim Rohn
Don’t let the things you want make you forget all the things you have! Gratitude is one of the fastest ways to experience happiness. If we only focus on all that we want to achieve, do and create, we’re missing out on the magic of the present moments we’re in! Waiting to be happy when you have or do xy or z is the surest way to live a frustrating, unfulfilled life. Learn to appreciate where you are today while working towards where you want to be tomorrow.
#3: “Your health account, your bank account, they’re the same thing. The more you put in, the more you can take out.” – Jack LaLanne
We often think that a healthy lifestyle is an all or nothing endeavor, but it’s more like what Jack LaLanne explains with this wonderful quote — the more you continue to make regular deposits into your health ‘account’ (with regular movement, nourishing foods, quality sleep), the less impact the once-in-awhile events (like a period of higher stress, a few less than ideal meals, or a couple of missed workouts) have on the remaining balance. Daily deposits into your health account are ideal as the compound interest on your wellbeing is the greatest dividend there is.
#4: “In this world, you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.” – Lou Holtz
Science has shown us that regular exercise really is the fountain of youth (just another great reason to exercise!). So to avoid growing older and stiffer, move your body as often as you can and challenge yourself to grow both physically and mentally to stay young and vibrant at any age. Physical activity is good for your body and your brain, so keep on moving!
#5: “When it comes to health and well-being, regular exercise is about as close to a magic potion as you can get.” – Tich Nhat Hahn
We are learning more and more every day about just how valuable regular exercise is to our health and well-being. There’s plenty of scientific evidence showing a direct link between regular exercise (and not necessarily the all-out effort kind – many studies show that even just brisk walking helps!) and reduced risk of disease. Exercise really is the best medicine, and every little bit counts, so get up and get moving!
#6: “Use what you’ve been through as fuel, believe in yourself and be unstoppable!” – Yvonne Pierre
Many of us have faced some very real obstacles and challenges in this life. Exercise helps us build the stamina we need to turn those events into opportunities for positive growth and change. Whatever it is you may be dealing with right now, no matter what limitations you may be facing, look for ways to turn your struggle into your strength. There are so many different ways to get moving and they don’t have to look the way you think they need to in order to be effective. Exercise is an incredible tool for building physical and mental strength as well as self-confidence, so don’t ever let what you can’t do keep you from doing what you can!
Need more inspiration? Click here to read about the blind swimmer who has won 55 (yes, 55!) gold medals or here to read about the 69-year-old-double-amputee who climbed Mount Everest. Talk about being unstoppable!
#7: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
Another one of my all-time favorites, this quote is a wonderful reminder that everyone who got where they are now, simply started where they once were. Meaning, you don’t have to be great or even good to get started, but if you ever want to build strength, skills or achieve any other personal goal, you have to start with what you have today to get there someday. You don’t need the perfect plan, program or specific goal to begin — get moving right now, even if it’s just for 10 minutes (when in doubt, walk it out!). Every little bit counts. If you’ve been waiting for everything to be perfect to get started, stop waiting! There will never be a more ‘perfect’ moment than this one, so, to quote the great Dr. Suess, today is your day… so get on your way!
#8: “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.” – Confucius
It’s hard not to compare your journey and results to others’ – we see before and after photos and testimonials of those who have achieved what we want to do in a few short weeks or months, but we have to remember, that is their journey (and one we don’t really know the full story about-), not ours. Slow and steady really does win this marathon of life, so don’t give up on your goals if you aren’t getting what you want fast enough. Consistency is the key to getting (and keeping!) results, especially in the long term. Set yourself up to win by creating small, manageable goals that you can work towards with little daily steps instead of trying to overwhelm yourself with a complete lifestyle overhaul all at once. As long as you are slowly moving forward each day, that is all that matters!
#9: “Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits.” – Jerry Dunn
Even though they can be tough to endure, challenges make us stronger. Challenging your muscles helps them to grow, and accomplishments you’ve worked hard to achieve can also help you come out stronger and more skilled on the other side. Don’t shy away from taking on new challenges just because they may be hard to get through, look at them as opportunities to grow, build stamina and self-esteem. You got this!
#10: “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” – Chinese Proverb
Intense pressure is what turns crystals into diamonds, and in the same way, when we challenge our body with the intensity of exercise we reap the benefits on our bones, body, and brain. The same could be said for the trials and tribulations we experience in life — these moments of friction and discomfort often leave us stronger and more capable than before. Look at your next workout as an opportunity to keep polishing, refining and developing not just your body, but your overall well-being. Chisel a little more away every day!
One of my favorite quotes is from you…. “Sometimes the hardest part of working out is showing up”
I identify with that statement so much! It motivates me to show up and put the work in.
Hi Laura! I’m so happy to hear that one helps you stay motivated to keep showing up and doing the work, YAY! Thanks so much for moving with me. Please keep up all of the great work you are doing taking care of your body and your health. 🙂
I found your programs a little over a year ago (it is now 2022 😉 and have had a couple of health struggles ….. nothing serious just enough to knock me down a couple of rungs BUT your workouts kept me going !!!!! I started using them as a way to get a little more fit and lose some weight but then when I became Ill I couldn’t do as much which is so depressing but I used your walk and talks on YouTube everyday to keep me feeling human and motivated!!! I have purchased almost all of your dvds so if I have no WIFI I can still choose something that suits my mood !!! You are truly a great instructor and every time I start a class I feel like I’m working out with an old friend. I was a fitness instructor for 13 years and miss the classes everyday. Thank you for being so real and I hope you know you are truly an inspiration!!! AND P. S. ….. I have currently lost 40lbs, am at my goal weight and am in the best shape ever ! I am 50 years old and going through menopause so it was no easy task !!! Thank you again !!!!!
I am so glad you found us here! Thank you so much for moving with me. Congrats to you on all of your hard work and accomplishments, that is amazing all that you have done! Please keep up all of the incredible work you are doing taking care of your body and your health. Can’t wait to get moving with you again soon. 🙂
Jessica, these are all great quotes! My fave in this list is the Zig Ziglar quote; it applies not just to exercise, but to anything you want to achieve in life. But my favorite quote by YOU is “Something is always better than nothing.” Some days I can only do something really really small…but your quote helps me remember that it still counts! Thanks for all you do, and congrats on the new site (though I’ll miss the pink 😉
Yes, that Zig Ziglar quote is one of my faves for all aspects of life! Thanks so much for sharing and for being a valued member of our community. We’re so glad you are here 🙂
Jessica, Thank you for the consistent inspiration! I’m not sure if this is the right spot for it but can you please add a page for the “Meet the Community Members” and add all the ones sent to you via email to that page. THOSE personal accounts from fellow Jessica and Peanut fans, although brief, are so valuable and have helped me so much.
Thanks for reading! And we’re so happy to hear you enjoy our community member spotlights! We’ll definitely think about adding those somewhere here in the future. Thank you for your great suggestion 🙂
Love the new look!
I love your exercise programs, more importantly I love how you encourage me through the process.
Thank you so much, Irma! And thank you for moving with us, we’re so glad you are here 🙂
Hello! Im so happy about all the new changes, they look amazing. I loved what you said in your February email about giving ourselves grace and enjoying the place where we are now. Im totally up for loving where I am now (as you, Im a new mom and trying to find a new definition of “normal”day and readjusting goals…but geez its hard – lovely but hard). Looking forward to working out with you again in 2020 :)!
Ah! How exciting! Congrats to you on your baby Victoria! And yes, please please give yourself so much grace right now! As you said, this is both a beautiful but challenging time for you, so just keep doing what you can each day, little by little. Thanks so much for being here with us 🙂
Thanks for all your inspiration, Jessica! I have been using your DVDs daily for 5 years. Love them!
Thank you so much for moving with us and for being a valued member of our community Lisa! We’re so glad you are here 🙂 Here’s to five more years and beyond, let’s keep going STRONG!
Thanks for the great motivational quotes! I own all of your DVDs and workout to them everyday. My favorites are “Master your Metabolism” and “Quick Walks”. They get the job done and are fun!
Thanks so much, Lisa! So happy to hear you enjoy those programs. Thank you so much for spending your time and energy with us 🙂
This one has been helping me stick to my New Years resolutions: “Commitment is staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.” Makes me smile every time.
Ooo that is a good one! Thanks so much for sharing Kristine 🙂
Congratulations on your new website, Jessica (and Peanut)!! You’ve become my favourite trainer(s) over the years, and I’m so happy to see the new website. Love those quotes, too — as well as the quotes you have added to your DVD programmes. Quote #7 is particularly poignant for a born procrastinator like me… 🙂
Thank you so much for moving with us and for being a part of our community Susanna! We’re so glad you are here. (So glad you like #7 – I do too 🙂
Thank you so much Jessica
You inspire me not to give up on my fitness and diet goals. I always gain something from watching your videos and hearing your warm words.
Thank you so much, Jo! Please.. never give up! We’re here for you <3 Thanks for being a part of our community!
I love all your workouts! I have so many other exercise DVDs but I use yours the most. Thank you for all you do and your free workouts on youtube! I’m almost 55 now and have been working out since I was about 16. You keep me motivated 🙂
It’s blue! Congrats on the new website, what a surprise.
The quotes are all good and something to think about, at this time I particularly appreciate #10.
Also, I just finished your “Full Body Stretching 30 Minute Flexibility Routine: Relax and Restore”: I like it a bit more every time, what a great feeling. Thank you for everything you do.
Thank you so much, Alessandra! So happy to hear you enjoyed the quotes (#10 is such a good one :). Thank you so much for stretching with me today! Please keep up the great work you are doing making those great deposits into your health bank account 🙂