But great news—we've found a way to spend some time on the couch AND get a boost to our workout motivation! These inspiring movies aren't just about fitness. They're tales of hard work being rewarded, the human spirit triumphing over adversity or, at the very least, they're a great opportunity to watch super fit people accomplish amazing things.
So sit back, relax and prepare to be inspired by these 11 movies that will get you back to working out in no time.
Rocky
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Well, you knew this one would be on here, and we'd be remiss if we left it out this classic boxing film. Rocky tops our list with the perfect formula for feel-good fitness: Hard work + Passion + Determination = Success.
The movie's training montage and iconic song can't help but get you fired up to pursue your own fitness goals. A winner of three Academy Awards, "Rocky" has inspired countless average Joes to get off the couch and get into the best shape of their lives. Is it your turn to get in the ring?
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Fitness EventsFittest on Earth
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If you've never heard of the CrossFit Games, just consider them the Olympics of working out. Each summer, the best and buffest CrossFitters from across the globe compete for the title of "Fittest on Earth" at a multi-day event. This documentary follows several athletes on their journey through the 2016 CrossFit games, detailing their training, struggles and triumphs.
With their goal to excel at "fitness"—not to be the best at any one event, but crushing any exercise that comes their way—the rookies and returning champs must fight for every point on the leaderboard. And with plenty of slow-motion shots of gloriously muscled bodies in peak form, you'll be inspired to get up and hit the gym.
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Fitness EventsSpirit of the Marathon
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This running documentary is one of the best at capturing the true grit, determination and strength that it takes to tackle the elusive 26.2-mile distance. Following five runners—three amateurs and two elites—as they train for and complete the Chicago marathon, "Spirit" doesn't shy away from detailing the drama that unfolds as the runners prepare body and mind for race day. An inspirational journey that will appeal to both runners and non-runners alike, this film is sure get you lacing up those sneakers in no time.
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Fitness EventsMiracle
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This movie's most memorable quote may be Al Michaels,' "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" But there are plenty of other moments in this 2004 drama that will get you fired up to compete. Based on one of the greatest moments in sports history, "Miracle" details the true story of the ragtag group of young men that made up the 1980 United States Men's Ice Hockey team as they squared off against the legendary Soviet Union in the Olympics.
With edge-of-your-seat action and inspiring exhibitions of the strength and dedication needed to take home the gold, you'll be up off the couch long before the final buzzer sounds.
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Fitness EventsHoosiers
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Sometimes life knocks you for a loop. You might be injured or depressed, wondering if you'll ever summon the energy to return to being fit. Hoosiers just might be the perfect movie to give you a push.
While the story may revolve around a former big-time college basketball coach and a team from small-town, rural Indiana, at its core "Hoosiers" is the ultimate comeback story. You'll care about all of the characters and by the time the big game rolls around, you can't help but smile and cheer along with the fans Though the ending may be predictable, the movie will leave you uplifted and motivated to stage your own fitness comeback.
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Fitness EventsBend It Like Beckham
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We know that participating in sports and fitness improves our physical health, but we often forget about the benefits to our mental health as well. This follow-your-dreams film highlights just how much sports can boost the self-esteem and confidence of young athletes.
You'll cheer for determined heroine Jesminder "Jess" Bjamra, a first-generation immigrant who has one goal: to play soccer for her country's national team, just like her idol David Beckham. This feel-good flick checks all the boxes: perseverance in the face of adversity, plenty of on-the-field action and a fantastic dose of inspiration that'll inspire you to tackle your own goals with the same joy and exuberance that Jess brings to the field.
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Fitness EventsFriday Night Lights
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It's a tricky business to try and turn a nonfiction account of one season with a high-school football team into a full-fledged sports movie. But "Friday Night Lights" combines documentary-inspired filming with the emotional backdrop of the players' lives to make a movie that captures both the true-life detail and the incredible humanity of the athletes. The nail-biting gridiron action will fire you up, but it's the community spirit and support for the players that will inspire you to put your heart and soul into your own sport.
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Fitness EventsG.I. Jane
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If you think your sweat sessions are difficult, this film just might give you a new perspective. Led by Demi Moore, this action movie about the first woman to join the Navy Seals packs a wicked punch of one-arm pushups, tortuous training and jaw-dropping workouts. Though your own training might only require a tenth of what Moore performs in the movie, the actress' fantastic physique and inspiring fitness will encourage you to tackle that next workout with new determination.
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Fitness EventsRudy
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If you've ever wanted validation that it's hard work and determination over talent that ultimately breeds success, "Rudy" is the movie for you. It's impossible to watch this film and not be inspired to overcome any obstacles placed in your path on the road to fitness. Rudy has neither the grades nor the physical stature or talent to play football at Notre Dame, but he pursues his dream anyway. A fantastic example of the power of persistence and positivity, "Rudy" truly embodies the motto: "Where there's a will, there's a way."
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Fitness EventsStep Up
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Dancing can be a fantastic way to get your calorie burn on while having fun, and this movie will inspire you to show off your moves. Featuring amazing dance-offs and some killer displays of strength and coordination from the cast, the combination of ballet and hip-hop brings the energy to this teen drama. The music alone is enough to get you pumped up and ready to roll, and there are even workout DVDs based on the choreography from the film. Now that you're primed to shake your stuff, it's time to show off your moves at a Zumba or BodyJam class in your gym.
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Fitness EventsKarate Kid
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Inspiring from beginning to end, this movie is a fantastic reminder of the critical role discipline plays in athletic training. For many of us that grew up with the classic 1984 film, the line, "Wax on, wax off," still echoes in our minds—a subtle reminder of how focusing on the fundamentals is key to success. With a coming-of-age story that is both poignant and victorious, "Karate Kid" delivers a perfect "kick" of inspiration that lingers long after the movie ends.
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