It Might Sound Cheesy, but These 9 Fitness Mantras Really Rev Up My Motivation To Work Out

I know I'm not the only one who's struggled with finding the motivation to work out. But I've found that whenever I need a little extra encouragement, the repetition of a fitness mantra gives me what I need to get going. Not only are they from incredibly inspiring trainers, but they've also been triple-checked for corniness. Don't roll your eyes—it works!

The most motivational fitness mantras from trainers

1. "I am"

Whether you're halfway through your workout or halfway through a marathon, Robin Arzón, head instructor and VP of fitness programming at Peloton, has a mantra that will get you to the finish line. "When you're at mile 50 of a 100-mile race, you feel like you're never going to get there. So you have to find a way to fall in love with the process," she said in an Instagram post. "What can you hold onto as an anchor? For me, during races, it's my mantra of 'I am.'"

2. "Yes or yes"

If you're ever feeling unmotivated or ready to quit, or just not sure about a new workout, just remember Le Sweat founder Charlee Atkins' famous mantra "yes or yes." "I was on the bike on Soul Cycle for almost eight years, and my quote from day one was 'yes or yes,'" she said in a podcast. "If you're capable of doing it, why not give it a try?"

Try Charlee's bodyweight HIIT and core workout:

3. "Keep moving"

Shannon Nadj, founder of Hot Pilates, always shares motivational quotes and mantras on Instagram that speak to her. But sometimes it's the simplest ones that wind up being the most motivational. Case in point? "Keep moving." The next time you're struggling during a workout, repeat it to yourself to inspire you to keep going.

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4. "I trust my journey. I embrace my process."

You can't go from never doing yoga to doing inversions overnight, and that's why it's so important to keep the mantra BK Yoga Club founders Paris Alexandra and Alicia Ferguson shared on Instagram in mind: "I trust my journey. I embrace my process."

Try Paris and Alicia's mood-boosting flow:

5. "I am, I can, I will, I do"

Christine D'Ercole, senior Peloton instructor, always provides a serious dose of motivation during her rides. The mantra she's most known for, though? "I am, I can, I will, I do." After repeating that a few times, there's no way you can't reach your goals. (Fun fact: It's also her Instagram handle.)

6. "I'm stronger than I think"

Alex Silver-Fagan, a Nike master trainer, has a mantra that can motivate anyone who's feeling weak: "You're stronger than you think." After reminding yourself, who knows—those 12 push-ups you were going to do could turn into 24. Sometimes we don't give ourselves enough credit for what we're capable of.

7. "I always have the opportunity to start fresh"

Don't let one bad workout stop you from trying again the next day. During one of her classes, Centr trainer Ashley Joi said: "Whether it's the beginning or end of your day, they both give you the opportunity of starting fresh." Anytime you're feeling like you just can't keep it up, tell yourself: "I always have the opportunity to start fresh."

Try Ashley's 5-minute core workout:

8. "Yes you can, yes you will."

It's hard to get through one of Alexis Fischer's fiery Hot Pilates workouts without a mantra on hand. Whether you're trying to take on a series of jump squats or hold a plank for a little bit longer, say "Yes you can, yes you will" to get by.

9. "You get what you focus on."

A mantra that motivates senior Peloton instructor Emma Lovewell is "You get what you focus on." When you put the same energy into your fitness journey as you do with your job, relationships, and other important aspects of your life, you'll be much more likely to achieve your goals.

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