This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and GREATER Productions. but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GREATERMovie #GreaterTheMovie http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
Finding fitness motivation can be hard! Today sharing some inspiring ways to get you off the couch and out the door running, including the inspirational movie GREATER.
Hi everyone!
I sometimes get asked by friends and family how I stay motivated to run and workout. I know that starting and staying with fitness and/or running is a very challenging task for many of us. I am personally driven by how good running and working out makes me feel. It's hard, but my overall physical and mental health and happiness is profoundly better when I do it, so I stay at it. The difference is very black and white for me.
With that said there are days I'm more motivated than others. I've been known to fall into ruts where I half way do the same workout without changing up my routine. I also have days where the couch seems pretty darn appealing! Don't worry-- I am totally with you this one.
In the end though, I know my life is better with fitness so I do it.... and I hope you will too! To help you out, I thought I'd share a few of the unlikely places I pull fitness inspiration from often!
4 Unlikely Places to Find Fitness Inspiration
Inspirational Movie
I am a sucker for a good sports movie! Whether it's watching Spirit of the Marathon or Rocky again, movies are such a great source of fitness inspiration.
With my recent flare up of plantar fasciitis, my motivation has been waning lately. Injuries can be frustrating to say the least! So I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to watch a new sports movie that had inspirational movie written all over it! I got a sneak peak that I watched during a thunderstorm at the beach this weekend.
GREATER focuses on always pursuing what you want to do with perseverance, dedication, and faith.
It showcases the real life story of an Arkansas walk-on football player, Brandon Burlsworth. He was told he wasn't good enough to play Division I ball, but he didn't give up.
He wasn't naturally gifted, but put more work and determination into the process than any of his teammates and becomes the most respected player in the history of the program. He was so successful that he was also called the greatest walk-on story in college football history.
The movie takes some pretty deep twists and turns and I don't want to give it all away... but here's a little sneak peak....
If you are looking for some inspiration of any kind, GREATER is a great place to start. It shows that with faith in God you can do anything. It also gave me just the motivation I needed to get in a good workout.
It opens in theaters this Friday, August 26th. You can of course check your local listings for time and locations.
Blogs
Another great source of fitness inspiration is blogs! I hope of course, that you find some fabulous inspiration on my site, but there are hundreds to hit up after Running in a Skirt. Whether they share their personal fitness story, posts like this one or workouts blogs are a great way to connect and surround yourself with people who have similar goals and interests.
Here are 10 inspirational fitness related blogs I read:
- Suzlyfe
- Peanut Butter Runner
- The Fit Foodie Mama
- FitFulFocus
- Peanut Butter Fingers
- Confessions of a Mother Runner
- Run to the Finish
- Lunging Through Life
- Tina Muir
- Hello to Fit
These are just a few of the hundreds of wonderful blogs out there. I great place to find more is in the comments section of my blog and others like mine.
Instagram is a great place to find fitness inspiration! Follow popular fitness hashtags for a little boost.
Popular ones I've used are#FitFluential, #running, #runninglifeinspiration, #endurestrong, #nopainnogain, #healthyliving, or #runlikeagirl!
Your Own Story
Perhaps one of the best places for fitness inspiration is to pull on your previous experiences. As long as you aren't a fresh newbie, you should have some fitness moments that you are proud of. It can be as simple as the time you came back to working out after being sick. Remember how hard that was? But you did it and you felt awesome once you worked through the hard stuff.
My personal story I draw on is my Chicago Marathon experience.
Like Brandon Burlsworth in the GREATER movie, I was never naturally athletic or gifted, but I worked my rear off to finish the marathon. I wasn't the fastest runner there, but I tried hard and most of all I enjoyed the experience.
Running the Chicago Marathon proves to me that dreams come true through hard work and dedication. It also shows me that I can do hard things, which is a valuable lesson to have your back pocket in hard times. Just like the in the movie GREATER having faith and hope in big goals is always worth it.
I hope these ideas help you find a little extra fitness inspiration the next time you need it! Make sure to check out the GREATER movie starting Friday. I really enjoyed it and totally had the warm a fuzzies after it was over. There's not many movies you can say that about these days! You can also follow GREATER on Facebook or Instagram for movie updates.
Thanks for stopping by today! See you tomorrow for a simple Triple Berry Layered Smoothie!
I’m linking this post with Marvelous Monday, Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday & Inspired to be Fit, Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, Coaches Corner, and Annmarie for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Your turn!
Where do you find fitness inspiration?
Chau says
Awesome movie! Thanks for sharing this film, Julie. This inspirational movie is exactly what I need right now as I will participate in a local marathon the next 2 weeks! More motivation to get my lazy ass out of bed every morning and practice. After watching this film , I feel a great sense of motivation within me, I will try my best in this competition just like you.
JulieWunder says
Haha! I hope you enjoy the movie. Best of luck with your marathon.
Andy Atari says
I love following fitness blogs like yours. They're a great source of inspiration and new ideas for when I'm starting to get bored with my workouts or meals and want to spice things up a bit. 🙂 I'll definitely look up the blogs you shared.
Mardene Carr says
Believe me, these days I need inspiration more than ever. It used to be so easy but ever since I migrated to the USA is like it is so hard to find that inspiration...SIGH
JulieWunder says
Hope these ideas help! Great to see you today!
Rachel says
Love those blogs you listed! Some of my favorites. Thanks for linking up today!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Rachel! Thanks for hosting!
Annmarie says
YES! These are all amazing sources of inspiration! Following fellow runners on IG and reading their blogs really does motivate me on a regular basis!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Annmarie!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I'm a sucker for a good sports movie! I'll keep my eye out for Greater! And thanks so much for including my blog in your list! You make me blush 🙂 🙂
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Nicole! Anytime 🙂
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
I love a good sports movie they are definitely inspiring.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Jen!
jill conyers says
I need to see this movie. I was inspired by something Jim Carey said. That was so unlikely!
JulieWunder says
Now I'd like to know what that is! Thanks Jill!
Cassandra @ Powered By BLING says
Can't wait to see this! I love good underdog conquers their goals movies. They just give you so much inspiration and motivation.
JulieWunder says
Me too Cassandra! It is really a good one.
Allyson says
Love your blog list! I like reading inspirational stories.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Allyson! Glad you enjoyed it.
Dan Steadman says
as odd as it sounds, other people's stories...while recovering from a stress fracture, I found motivation in the wrestler HHH 2002 comeback from a torn quad....watching the video of his comeback is inspiring...
JulieWunder says
I totally agree! If they can do it, so can we!
glenneth says
fitness blogs and instagram are my largest sources of inspiration! so many fabulous people sharing what they do! that movie sounds great! adding it to my must see list.
JulieWunder says
Yes! So many amazing ones out there, like yours too!! Hope you enjoy the movie.
Christina Bauer says
Great tips! I always get the "you're so motivated" when people find out about my running or vegetarianism, etc. It's really just about choices and perseverance. And never giving up!
JulieWunder says
yes! I feel like it gets to the point that it's just your life and what you do! That's where I am!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
Can't wait to check out the movie and I love so many of the inspirational blog suggestions!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sarah! I hope you had a good week.
Karen G. says
I love a good sports movie for inspiration! ("Prefontaine" on Netflix got me through part of an 18 mile treadmill run once). 😉
I'll have to check this one out, thanks for sharing!
JulieWunder says
Ohhhh that's another good one! Movies on the treadmill help so much if you've got to do it!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
I can't wait to check out this movie! I love feel good inspirational stories. As far as fitness inspiration, I get it from a lot of the same sources you mentioned - movies, books, other blogs, friends, etc.
JulieWunder says
I hope you enjoy the movie Chrissy!
Sarah Grace Spann says
I love the movie GREATER 🙂 Definitely am a big believer in Philippians 4:13 🙂
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Sarah!
Ange // Cowgirl Runs says
Watching the Olympics has definitely motivated me!
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Ange!
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
I LOVED the movie Spirit of the Marathon! I seriously wanted to get up and sprint out of that movie theater at the end! Thanks for the other inspirational movie recommendations! I will have to check them out 😉
JulieWunder says
Thanks Kayla! I hope you enjoy it.
Taylor Kiser says
Great list of ways to find inspiration! Sounds like a must-see movie!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Taylor! It was really good!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Such an inspirational post. Reminds me to get up and get moving!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Debbie! Hope you had a good week.
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
I LOVE IG for fitspo! Between challenge groups and staying active on social media to see what others are doing, I am always ready for a workout. Movies, though... that's my favorite way. Always so nostalgic for my good ol days and hope to share that passion with my kids!
JulieWunder says
I agree! Nothing like a good movie. Hope you had a good week.
William Sweeney says
Love the idea of using a movie for inspiration!!! I know Instagram is one of my wife's favorite places to see what other women are doing.
JulieWunder says
Thanks William!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Sometimes I have a hard time feeling motivated too to run. Especially in this heat this summer. Reading fitness blogs helps me too.Will have to look up some of the ones you suggested. I also like to read running relates books.
JulieWunder says
Oh I know! You have to get up and out the door pretty quick these days.
Mikki says
Aw. What a great post. I received some PR for Greater too and I'm sad to say I haven't had a chance to watch it. UGH. It sounds awesome!
JulieWunder says
I hope you get a chance! I'm sure you'll love it!
Carmy says
I read a bunch of blogs on your list! They're the best 🙂
JulieWunder says
They are! Thanks Carmy!
jen says
thanks for the shout out! 🙂
JulieWunder says
Anytime! Thanks Jen!
kerri says
I love a good inspirational movie! I think looking back at your own story and how far you have come can be so inspiring as well. I am a huge fan of being your own cheerleader!
JulieWunder says
I totally agree Kerri! Thanks so much!
abbey says
love it! im always looking for new inspiration in the gym! it can get tiring to do the same thing all the time.
JulieWunder says
Me too! Thanks Abbey!
Nellwyn says
Great advice! I'm always in need of more fitness inspiration since I go through some seriously lazy phases.
JulieWunder says
It's happens to everyone! Thanks for stopping by today.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
I totally agree that movies can actually be great fitness inspiration! Heck, after watching the Olympics each night I was more motivated for the gym the next day!
JulieWunder says
Oh I know! I kept practicing my swimmers warm up! 🙂
Mary Beth Jackson says
That looks like my kind of movie! I will look out for it! Keep inspiring ?
JulieWunder says
Thanks MB! Happy weekend.
Blane Sherer says
I enjoy the way you share your own experiences
in your " helpful blogs ". I trust you enjoyed your
birthday beach weekend. I enjoyed my birthday
weekend last weekend with some friends here
on Saturday and then with my family at my folks
on Sunday.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much! Happy Birthday to you too. Glad you had a good time.
Emily says
Wow, you're an inspiration Julie with the way you shared your story; I was never athletic either and yet here I am somedays lifting weights and running? It's AMAZING how God can use the most unusual stories to show His glory and grace; I love sports stories that are so soaked in faith and hope.
JulieWunder says
It is! You would love this movie!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I know my son would love that movie so we will look out for it. Thanks so much I am so touched that you included me in your inspirational list. I've really enjoyed connecting with you so much. Inspiration is everywhere you just have to be open to it.
JulieWunder says
You too, Deborah! xoxo
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Instagram is always a great place to find inspiration. Trouble is, there is too much on there and I end up following way too many people!
JulieWunder says
Isn't that true! Hope you had a great week.
heather @Lunging Through Life says
Aww you are so sweet. Thanks for including me! I hope you've had a great weekend. That movie looks awesome. I've been on a lack of movie kick but I bet that changes in the fall and winter when it's darker earlier and I just curl up on the couch, haha. I definitely agree blogs are where I find motivation, and Instagram for sure!
JulieWunder says
Oh I know! There is something about it staying light later that keeps me going! I hope you enjoy the movie.