6 Inspiring Quotes from Leaders of the Fitness Industry
Plus a timeless BONUS quote ❤
What is it about some quotes that can actually make a difference in the way you do something? Some random ~although probably famous~ person throws a few words together, and it changes people’s lives? That is a tremendous amount of power for one person to have!
Different quotes affect people in a variety of ways. Motivational or inspirational quotes can get to the heart of what we want to hear. What our subconscious wants to grab onto and say “Yes! That’s what I need to hear!”
A strong, heartfelt quote about some type of business success can spur a floundering businessman into action. A funny, humor-filled quote about dirty diapers taking over a home can help a mother of a newborn feel like someone just gets it.
A common-sense filled quote about a fitness-related issue can definitely motivate those who struggle with fitness and proper nutrition.
Fitness Icons
There are thousands of fitness icons around the world. There are a few that I have followed closely over the years, and they have each had a significant quote or two that affected me in profound ways.
- Jillian Michaels
Everyone knows Jillian Michaels as the bad ass bitch on The Biggest Loser. But I always found her extremely inspirational. I always got the impression that she genuinely cared about helping individuals lose weight the healthy way.
“It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs.” — Jillian Michaels
The first two sentences in that quote are what spoke to my subconscious. I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to stick to a diet and exercise plan exactly to a “T” or else we are failures. Giving ourselves permission to not be perfect in execution, but still put forth all of the efforts we have, is very empowering. This quote definitely changed my mindset on eating healthy and working out.
2. Bob Harper
The yin to Jillian’s yang on The Biggest Loser was, of course, Bob Harper. The funny thing about his notoriety nowadays is not so much him being on The Biggest Loser, but that he was seemingly in perfect health yet had a heart attack. Luckily, being as healthy and fit as he was definitely made a difference in the speed of his recovery.
“As you merge your heart, mind, and body and give all that you are to optimizing your health, remember to love yourself and to be your own best friend.” — Bob Harper
We are often are own harshest critic. We are first to find fault in what we do or chastise ourselves for not doing something perfectly (which also goes along with Jillian’s quote above). Bob’s quote reminds us to be kind to ourselves, to be understanding about how we’re are doing with everything, and to have unconditional love for ourselves. We deserve nothing less than that!
3. Denise Austin
Yes, Denise Austin has been around for decades. I remember watching her V.H.S. exercise videotapes back in the ‘80s! But she looks amazing for being 63 years old, so I definitely find what she says inspiring and motivating. Denise is definitely one that walks the talk!
“Your actions become your habits. Don’t let yourself make a pattern of slipups or they’ll become habits!” — Denise Austin
I love this quote! It’s such an awesome way to look at building habits. We always hear about building good daily habits to see results in the long run. And that is excellent advice as well. But what I love about Denise’s quote is that she helps you pay attention to the “slipups” you may have while dieting and exercising, because those can become habits just as easily!
Good, positive steps = Good, positive habits
Bad, negative steps = Bad, negative habits
Common sense when it is spelled out, but it isn’t something that we hear often enough. This quote is something I try to keep in the forefront of my mind as often as possible.
4. Tony Horton
Personal trainer and exercise enthusiast, Tony Horton is most well-known for his P90X workout program, which I admit was too difficult for me to ever follow. But he is still an icon in my opinion because he has helped thousands of people get fit and healthy.
“Exercise for the joy of feeling good and getting better. Eat right with the intention of fueling your body with the things it needs to perform.” — Tony Horton
The thought of dieting and working out for any other reason besides being able to wear skinny clothes and looking good, never crossed my mind until I turned 50**. Which is why I was the queen of yo-yo dieting. I had losing weight down, I could do that easily enough. But keeping it off? That was a different story.
If only I had listened to Tony’s advice earlier in my diet lifetime and ate food to fuel my body so I could work out because it made me feel good and strong. I can absolutely feel the difference when I eat the right foods to fuel my body for what I will be doing that day. Walking daily and lifting some weights a couple of days a week is now a priority as I get older, to strengthen my bones and lubricate my joints.
Following his advice and doing these things with the right mindset makes a world of difference.
**I wrote an article about the changes I have made in my life since I turned 50 a few years ago. Please feel free to check it out below and let me know what you think!
5. Bob Greene
Bob Greene is more well known for his fitness books and healthy cookbooks, but he is also a personal trainer and an expert in metabolism. He writes for Oprah Winfrey’s magazine “O” as well as a contributor of health-related stories and articles for her Oprah.com website.
“Setbacks are bumps in the road; they are not the end of the roads.” — Bob Greene
How many times have you been sticking to your diet religiously for a few weeks in a row, then boom! You go crazy one Saturday with snacks and unhealthy eating? Maybe you go out to eat and go a little overboard? And then the next day you feel horrible and guilty, and you think “why bother? I am never going to be able to stick to a diet long-term.”
And then you give up.
I have been there, many times. But his words remind us that just because we hit a snag, fall off the wagon, cave-in at that bump in the road (throw in whichever cliché works for you here) — it doesn’t mean we should give up! We need to just pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and get back to it.
Life is not perfect, so we will never be perfect. Accepting that things will happen and that we will sometimes deviate from our set-in-stone plan enables us to step up and just keep going.
6. Richard Simmons
Now here’s an oldie but a goodie! Even though he is retired now, Richard Simmons has been a fitness icon since the ’80s. He was never the buff, muscled-out exercise junkie like a majority of male fitness icons over the years. Richard Simmons was more well known for his outgoing and uplifting personality. He absolutely loved to help people and lift them up.
“No one is perfect…absolutely no one. Like precious stones, we have a few flaws, but why focus on that? Focus on what you like about yourself, and that will bring you happiness and peace.” — Richard Simmons
I can hear his infectious, upbeat voice when I read his quote above. I followed Richard Simmons growing up in the ’80s, and I was always touched at how open and true he was to the people he was helping. His shows and videos didn’t have a bunch of already fit people working out. He had the heavy, obese, even morbidly obese on there with him. And you could feel his affection and empathy for each one.
Richard Simmons was one that I feel absolutely made a difference in the lives of many, many people. Including mine.
BONUS QUOTE!
This quote is one that has withstood the test of time, and is still relevant today (maybe even more so now, with everything going on)…
“Everyone in this world is somehow connected. So why not just be nice to everybody.” — Richard Simmons
Simple yet oh, so true.
Just be nice to everybody.
I love it!
