Staying motivated to exercise!

Sayings and powerful words can be inspirational and motivational. And maintaining the motivation to exercise is essential! Here are some of my favorite motivational sayings, starting with a version of the Monk and the Missionary. It’s one I think most fitness enthusiasts would appreciate. From a 1998 booklet "The Complete Runner’s Guide" published by Runner’s World.

"Once upon a time there were two runners. The first runner liked to keep to himself, preferring to train alone.  And whenever anybody asked him why he ran, he usually mumbled his answer so that no one could hear.

The second runner was more outgoing and would gladly answer anyone who asked why he ran (sometimes he would tell people even if they didn’t ask).

He spoke of the mental and physical health benefits of running and how he could do it for the rest of his life. Soon, he had the whole village running and enjoying every step of it."

This runner's joyful approach to running inspired the whole village to get out and run with him!

There are many other sayings that apply to exercise and fitness. One of the best-known is “You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running,” coined by Jack Kirk (1906-2007) aka The Dipsea Demon (Runner’s Gazette).

“You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running.”

Jack Kirk, the Dipsea Demon, continued to run until he was 96 years old. His persistence and determination motivate me to this day.

Here’s another one you often hear: “If you rest, you rust” (from actress Helen Hayes' memoir 1990).

Another similar often heard saying is “Use it or lose it” (refers to physical fitness and brain function).

This one can apply to exercising: “All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone,” attributed to Tony Robbins, a life coach.  And this one: “You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new,” attributed to Brian Tracy, author and personal development coach.

Reading inspirational or insightful sayings can create motivation, reinforce positive feelings and emotions, and even develop a change in mindset. The people who created these sayings expressed them in a few powerful words and this wisdom is ours to remember and use when we need a boost or a helping hand.

My favorite is “You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running.” This one I believe in and you can be sure I’ll continue running (or using the elliptical and my exercises) every day! Always makes me feel good!

Reading inspirational or insightful sayings can create motivation, reinforce positive feelings and emotions, and even develop a change in mindset. The people who created these sayings expressed them in a few powerful words and this wisdom is ours to remember and use when we need a boost or a helping hand.

I carried this clipping in my wallet when I was much younger for over 30 years and from time to time it was a comfort to read it. It’s now on my bulletin board, still close to me and I still look at it.