Personal trainers and fitness entrepreneurs are the definition of motivation. You’re always working to improve, feel stronger, and stay focused — and that energy is what draws people to coaching businesses like yours.
Running a personal training business comes with challenges. You might need a boost on tough days or some quick quotes to drop into your next #MotivationMonday post. That’s what this is for.
In this article, you’ll find powerful words from inspiring voices past and present. Some quotes hit hard, others are more reflective — but all of them capture the mindset needed to grow, lead, and keep showing up. Use them to fuel your journey, connect with your clients, and keep your business moving forward.
- “The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion.”
— Arnold Schwarzenegger, Former Governor of California, Actor, and Retired Bodybuilder
- “If something stands between you and your success, move it. Never be denied.”
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Actor and Retired Professional Wrestler
- “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
— Michael Jordan, 6-time NBA Championship winner
- “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
— Milton Berle, American Comedian and Actor
- “Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you.”
— Arnold Palmer, 62 PGA Tour titles and 7 Major Championships
- “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
— Maya Angelou, American Poet, Author, and Civil Rights Activist
- “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”
— Fred Devito, Member of Exhale Mind Body Spa’s Founding Team
- “The biggest shifts in business come from working on yourself.”
— Simon Lovell, Fitness Professional
- “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
— Jim Ryun, Former U.S. Congressman, Runner, and Olympic Medalist
- “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.”
— Bethany Hamilton, American Champion Surfer
- “It isn’t the mountain ahead to climb that wears you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”
— Muhammad Ali, 3-time Heavyweight Champion
- “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
— Albert Schweitzer, Philosopher and Nobel Prize Winner
- “If you think lifting weights is dangerous, try being weak. Being weak is dangerous.”
— Bret Contreras, Personal Trainer
- “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.”
— Suzy Kassem, American Writer, Poet, and Film Director
- “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.”
— Zig Ziglar, Inspirational Speaker and Author
- “Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases, and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.”
— Wayne Gretzky, 4-Time Stanley Cup Champion, 9-time NHL MVP, and Hockey Hall of Famer
- “Combine your natural ability with a mission to help people, and you will have a rich, fulfilling life.”
— Bryan Krahn, Physique Coach
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
— Winston Churchill, Politician, Statesman, and Noble Prize Winner
- “Work hard. Be diligent. Do not let up. You have the body. You have the chops. You did all that. Now get to the business side of things and grow that muscle too.”
— Gary Vaynerchuk, Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker
Inspirational quotes for personal trainers
These fitness motivation quotes are for the coaches who show up early, stay late, and give their energy to others every single day. They’re here to keep you focused on your purpose and remind you of the difference you make.
- “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”
– John Wooden
- “Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance.”
– Timothy Gallwey
- “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
- “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.”
– William Butler Yeats
- “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
– Mark Twain
- “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.”
– Vince Lombardi
- “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
– C.S. Lewis
- “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs
- “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”
– Jim Rohn
- “Your only competition is the person you were yesterday.”
- “We’re not chasing perfection — we’re chasing progress.”
- “You don’t have to be extreme, just consistent.”
- “Success in fitness is built one choice at a time. You’re making the right ones.”
- “The goal isn’t just to change your body — it’s to change how you see yourself.
Weight loss motivational quotes
If you’re in a session and notice your client losing steam, a few well-timed words can make all the difference. Progress takes mental strength as much as physical effort, and sometimes, a shift in mindset is exactly what’s needed.
These motivational quotes are great for clients working through lifestyle changes, building better habits, and learning to stay consistent. Use them to encourage steady progress, celebrate small wins, and keep the momentum going when things get tough.
- “Motivation will get you started, while habit will keep you going.”
- “You can feel sore tomorrow, or you can feel sorry tomorrow. You choose.”
- “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”
- “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
- “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”
- “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”
- “A little progress each day adds up to big results.”
- “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.”
- “Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like doing it.”
- “You are stronger than your excuses.”
- “Fitness is like a relationship. You can’t cheat and expect it to work.”
- “You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step.”
- “When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.”
- “Weight loss is a journey, not a race.”
- “Strength isn’t just physical. Look at how far your mindset has come.”
Strength and bodybuilder motivational quotes
For clients chasing strength, muscle growth, or personal records, these bodybuilder quotes deliver serious motivation. Share them before a big lift, during a tough training block, or any time your clients need to tap into their grit and drive.
These strength-focused quotes are ideal for lifters, athletes, and anyone training with intensity and purpose. Use them to fire up a session, reinforce commitment, and keep the focus on progress.
- “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
- “The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character.”
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
- “Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder, but nobody wants to lift no heavy-a** weights.”
– Ronnie Coleman
- “Blood, sweat, and respect. The first two you give, and the last one you earn.”
– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
- “Hard work and training. There’s no secret formula. I lift heavy, work hard, and aim to be the best.”
– Ronnie Coleman
- “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”
– Thomas Jefferson
- “The body achieves what the mind believes.”
– Napoleon Hill
- “No pain, no gain.”
– Benjamin Franklin
- “Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work gains success. Greatness will come.”
– Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
- “There’s no secret formula. I lift heavy, work hard, and aim to be the best.”
– Ronnie Coleman
- “You have to push past your perceived limits, push past that point you thought was as far as you can go.”
– Drew Brees
- “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision.”
– Muhammad Ali
- “You won’t always be motivated. That’s why you have to be disciplined.”
- “You have to think about it before you can do it. The mind is what makes it all possible.”
– Kai Greene
15. “Strength is built when no one is watching. The work you do in silence shows up when it matters most.”
Funny quotes for personal trainers
These next quotes bring a bit of humour into the mix — perfect for breaking the ice with new clients, adding personality to your sessions, or making your brand more relatable.
They won’t push your clients like a classic motivational line, but they will lift the mood and create a more positive headspace. Use them in your social posts, drop them into client messages, or stick them up on the gym wall for a daily smile.
- “I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing.”
— Marsha Doble - “I like my workouts the way I like my coffee — strong and done daily.”
- “I really don’t think I need buns of steel. I’d be happy with buns of cinnamon.”
- “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”
— Elle Woods, Legally Blonde - “You never regret a workout, but you might regret leg day stairs.”
- “I’m working out so I can carry all the groceries in one trip.”
- “Train like there’s a cheat meal at the finish line.”
- “I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.”
— Fred Allen - “The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions.”
— Oscar Wilde
How to use motivational quotes as a personal trainer
Motivational quotes aren’t just something nice to read — they can be a powerful part of your coaching toolkit. When used well, the right words at the right time can shift a mindset, break through a plateau, or help a client double down on their goals.
If you’re sharing quotes outside of sessions — on social media, in messages, or in your onboarding — make sure they align with your brand voice.
A no-nonsense strength coach might lose impact with a light-hearted quip, just like a laid-back trainer might come off too intense with boot camp-style messaging. Keep it authentic to how you coach.
Here are a few smart ways to use quotes to boost motivation and deepen engagement:
- Social media posts
Use quotes as captions or pair them with transformations, gym shots, or workout tips. Great for Reels, Carousels, and Stories. Need support? Read our guide on how to start a fitness Instagram. - Client check-ins
Drop a quote into weekly messages to encourage focus, inspire action, or help clients reset. - In-app messaging with My PT Hub
Schedule motivational quotes to land before tough sessions, on rest days, or during a key part of their program. - Welcome packs and onboarding
Add a few of your favourite quotes to set the tone for how you coach and what your clients can expect. - Group challenges
Start each challenge day with a quote to boost your mindset and build momentum across your community.
Want to spend less time on admin and more time motivating your clients? Start your free 30-day trial of My PT Hub today.