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
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"The hardest thing about exercise is to start doing it. Once you are doing exercise regularly, the hardest thing is to stop it."
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– Erin Gray
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"Success isn't always about 'greatness', it's about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. Greatness will come."
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– Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
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"All progress takes place outside the comfort zone."
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– Michael John Bobak
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"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.'"
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– Michael Jordan
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"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."
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– Serena Williams
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"Take care of your body. It's the one place you have to live."
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– Jim Rohn
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"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."
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– John Bingham
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"Going to the gym is great for your body, but it's also great for your mind."
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– Rory McIlroy
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"An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."
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– Henry David Thoreau
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"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."
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– Jim Ryun
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"If you're tired of starting over—quit giving up."
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– Anonymous
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"It's going to be a journey. It's not a sprint to get in shape."
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– Kerri Walsh Jennings
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"Know that you can start late, look different, be uncertain, and still succeed."
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– Misty Copeland
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"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."
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– Shannon Miller
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"I think it's good to see somebody saying: I have a belly. And I have cellulite. And I still deserve love."
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– Amy Schumer
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"It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wears you out; it's the pebble in your shoe."
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– Muhammad Ali
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"When I feel tired, I just think about how great I will feel once I finally reach my goal."
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– Michael Phelps
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"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."
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– Oprah
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"It's not so much that I began to run, but that I continued."
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– Hal Higdon
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"Obstacles can't stop you. Problems can't stop you. People can't stop you. Only you can stop you."
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– Jeffrey Gitomer
How to Start Running, Whether You're Out of Practice or a Total Beginner
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“If you don’t make time for exercise, you’ll probably have to make time for illness.”
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—Robin Sharma
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“The first time I see a jogger smiling, I'll consider it.”
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—Joan Rivers
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“The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
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—Mark Twain
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“Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded."
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—Wayne Dye
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“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up."
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—Babe Ruth
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"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."
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—Meryl Streep
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“The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow.”
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—Stephen Richards
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“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
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—Michael Jordan
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"Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."
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—Muhammad Ali
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“What seems impossible today will one day become your warmup.”
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—Unknown
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“I really don’t think I need buns of steel. I’d be happier with buns of cinnamon.”
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—Ellen DeGeneres
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“Do or do not. There is no try.”
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—Yoda,Star Wars
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“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.”
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—Tommy Lasorda
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“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.”
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—George Halas
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“The most annoying are those people in exceptionally good shape at the gym. I’m like, ‘What are you doing here? You’re done.’"
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—Jim Gaffigan
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“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done."
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—Thomas Jefferson
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“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don't, pretend that you do, and at some point, you will.”
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—Venus Williams
