19 of Our Favorite Motivational Workout Mantras

Need a little help convincing yourself to push through that hard workout? Repeat after us.

By Chrisanne Grise•Updated 14 November 2023

Mindset

We’ve all been in the middle of a tough fitness class, feeling on the verge of collapse—but sometimes a little focus is just what you need to push through. After all, fitness is both physical and mental. That’s when we turn to some of our favorite motivational workout mantras. The next time you’re ready to call it quits, take a deep breath and repeat one (or many) of these phrases to yourself. You got this!

What is a Workout Mantra?

A workout mantra is a short, simple phrase that you repeat to yourself frequently, often during a difficult portion of exercise where you need a motivational boost (say, when you’re running up a steep hill or trying to push through yet another Tabata effort on your bike). It might sound cheesy, but sometimes a workout mantra can be just the pep talk your brain needs to stay focused on the fitness task at hand.

How to Use Workout Mantras to Inspire Movement

Yes, repeating your mantra of choice can be game-changing in the middle of an exhausting workout, but you don’t have to save it only for exercise classes. Incorporating these phrases into your daily life can help you stay focused on your goals and ready to conquer whatever life throws at you.

Here are some tips for using workout mantras in your routine.

Trying to decide on a mantra? To start, identify your why: What’s your personal reason for prioritizing fitness? What motivates you to move more? Jotting down some of your thoughts might help you decide what words will have the most impact.
Once you’ve chosen a workout mantra, repeat it to yourself frequently. Positive self-talk can do wonders for building mental strength and eliminating negative thoughts.
Write your favorite workout mantra down on a sticky note and hang it somewhere you’ll see it frequently as a constant reminder of your determination. (Pro tip: Your bathroom mirror or home gym are both excellent spots for this.)
Whether you’re nervous about a big meeting at work, feeling anxious about an upcoming social event, or just dreading getting off the couch to exercise, your mantra can help. Go ahead and say it aloud; you might be surprised at what a difference it can make.

Our Favorite Workout Mantras from Peloton Instructors

If you’re still looking for inspiration, here are some tried-and-true suggestions from Peloton instructors.

1. “I am, I can, I will, I do.” —Christine D’Ercole

2. “Great things rarely come from sitting in comfort zones.” —Ben Alldis

3. “I can do hard things.” —Jess Sims

4. “We get uncomfortable in order to get strong.” —Emma Lovewell

5. “If your legs are tired, run with your heart!” —Tobias Heinze

6. “I need you to be proud.” —Rad Lopez

7. “Add a little oomph to it.” —Ash Pryor

8. “This is tough, but you’re tougher!” —Olivia Amato

9. “We don’t quit. We keep going.” —Kendall Toole

10. “Quality over quantity.” —Jermaine Johnson

11. “Commit to finishing this stronger than when you started.” —Tunde Oyeneyin

12. “There’s no limit to what you can do.” —Adrian Williams

13. “Nice deep breaths in. Nice deep breaths out.” —Marcel Dinkins

14. “Put your crown back on your head and remember who you are.” —Robin Arzón

15. “We’re all about progress, not perfection.” —Selena Samuela

16. “Yes you can!” —Marcel Maurer

17. “Head up, heart open.” —Aditi Shah

18. “Fight fatigue with focus.” —Andy Speer

19. “I am worthy.” —Ross Rayburn

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician for questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. If you are having a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.

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