Unlocking Fitness Motivation: Insights and Inspiration from Elite Athletes

Finding the drive to engage in a rewarding workout can sometimes be an uphill battle. Although the exhilaration that follows an exceptional training session is undeniably incredible, the struggle lies in mustering the motivation to get started. Even professional athletes encounter challenges in staying motivated and achieving their health and fitness objectives. Fortunately, they are generous enough to share their experiences and offer guidance to inspire others.

We reached out to some of the top athletes in sports, including P.K. Subban from the NHL and Luke Willson from the NFL, to gain insight into their workout motivation and strategies for pushing oneself to new heights.

Career Aspirations For most professional athletes, maintaining their career serves as a major motivator to stay active and healthy. While it may seem that the financial incentives associated with fitness do not apply to the average person, that notion is misleading. Multiple studies have demonstrated that physical fitness enhances job performance by reducing stress and improving concentration. Therefore, you should view your morning run as a step towards achieving the promotion you desire.

P.K. Subban, an NHL player, explains that his career provides daily motivation: “As an NHL player, my career keeps me motivated every day. It’s important to take care of my body as I consider the long-term impact on both my career and my life.” Subban emphasizes the significance of focusing on overall health to ensure his body remains strong and resilient in the long run. He advises visualizing your goals and using them as motivation in your training and health journey.

Luke Willson, a tight end for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, finds it easy to stay motivated due to the integral role fitness plays in his job. However, he also genuinely enjoys the process. Willson suggests avoiding fads and sticking to a consistent routine that works for you: “My advice to those looking to elevate their fitness is to be consistent but ‘boring’ in your routine. People often search for new trends or training ideas, but the truth is, there are no shortcuts. Consistency combined with a ‘boring’ routine often leads to sustainable and remarkable results.”

Marshall Newhouse, an offensive tackle for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, views fitness motivation not only as a necessity for his career but also as preparation for a healthy lifestyle after football: “I think about both the present and the future. Staying fit now allows my body to withstand the physical demands of football, while also setting me up for a healthy post-football life.”

To prevent burnout from strict health and fitness regimens, Newhouse recommends finding balance and enjoying life. He suggests following the 80/20 rule, which entails eating wholesome foods in proper proportions 80 percent of the time and indulging in moderation 20 percent of the time. This approach avoids feelings of deprivation and reduces the likelihood of overindulgence.

Setting Goals Establishing goals and maintaining a consistent routine are essential elements for fitness motivation. Whether it’s participating in a 5K charity race in three months or aiming for a higher weight on the bench press within two weeks, setting a timeline for your goals and staying consistent are key. With consistent effort, working towards your goals should become second nature, and the temptation to procrastinate will diminish.

Luis Perez, the quarterback for the Birmingham Iron, emphasizes the importance of consistency: “People often expect instant results when they decide to get fit and be active. Fitness is not a sprint but a marathon. Consistency is the key to success in all aspects of life, not just fitness.”

Josh Evans, a safety for the Orlando Apollos, believes that motivation comes from within. He advises setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals and committing fully to the process: “By keeping your fitness goals in mind and remaining fully dedicated to the process, you will stay motivated, with guaranteed results.”

Evans acknowledges that there will be days when working out is the last thing you want to do. To overcome these moments, he suggests keeping track of your progress through photos and measurements. These reminders of where you started can serve as a powerful motivator during times of fatigue and discouragement.

Luke Walton, a former Olympic rower, emphasizes the importance of setting goals based on your own capabilities, without comparing yourself to others. He emphasizes staying focused on your performance and being consistent in your training: “Pay attention to what you can control. Comparing yourself to others will distract you and compromise your workouts, races, and games. Stay within yourself, work hard every day, and strive for consistency. Regardless of the outcome, keep moving forward.”

Shifting Perspective Shifting your perspective is another effective way to maintain motivation for staying active. Rather than dreading your workout, embrace the opportunity to improve yourself.

Isaiah Stanback, a former NFL Super Bowl XLVI champion, suggests viewing fitness as a way of life and prioritizing your needs over your wants: “In many aspects of our lives, we take care of the essentials without question. Most people work because they have bills and family to support. Eventually, we hope our work becomes something we’re passionate about. Fitness is often viewed as a grind, with lacking motivation but countless incentives. If we approach fitness as we do other aspects of life, our needs will transform into wants and, consequently, passion. Trust the process and focus on loving the results more than hating the process.”

By incorporating career aspirations, setting goals, and shifting your perspective, you can find motivation to improve your health and fitness. Bid farewell to procrastination, lace up your sneakers, and let these athletes’ advice guide you on your journey.