Best Gym Movies To Get You Motivated

by Kevin Gardner

You know how there are just some songs that make you want to get up, run around the room, and dance until your legs fall off? There are movies like that, too. If you've been lacking motivation to get to the gym lately and need a bit of inspiration, all you need to do is watch one (or more) of the best gym movies available to entertain and motivate you.

Pumping Iron (1977)

While younger generations know him as the Terminator and former governor of California, people in the 1970s and early 1980s knew Arnold Schwarzenegger as an up-and-coming bodybuilder who now holds the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH, each year. This 1977 documentary focuses on what got Schwarzenegger to where he is now. The vintage footage includes brutal workouts, Gold's Gym, and plenty of footage that shows you just what it takes to be a world-champion bodybuilder. (Hint: It takes a lot more than 30 minute shoulder workout).

Rocky (1976)

Earning another top spot on the list of history's best gym movies is 1976's "Rocky." Starring Sylvester Stallone, this movie follows the character as he trains for a boxing event and shows that hard work, determination, and a passion for fitness can lead to success. Even though it won three Academy Awards, it isn't just the movie that's an inspiration. Stallone stayed dedicated to his role in this movie and its sequels, doing one-armed pushups, eating raw eggs, and going thousands of rounds in the ring to make sure he was in the best shape possible for the role.

Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness (2017)

Another documentary that is an absolute must-see is 2017's "Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness." Chances are you've heard of CrossFit. It was (and in some circles, still is) one of the biggest fitness crazes ever to become mainstream. This documentary follows some of the best of the best, competitors in the CrossFit Games. Compared often to the Olympics, these games span multiple days. The documentary itself shows us what it's like for these people to train for the games, how they identify and overcome struggles, and the pride they feel when they overcome their challenges and win. If you've ever had even a passing interest in CrossFit, this must-see documentary will have you wanting to head to the gym as soon as the credits roll.

G.I. Jane (1997)

Women deserve to take up just as much space as men do at the gym, and 1997's "G.I. Jane," starring Demi Moore, proved it. An action-pack flick based on the first woman to become a part of the Navy Seals, the movie shows us the high-intensity workouts, jaw-dropping training sessions, and everything else that goes into joining one of the most prestigious organizations in the country. Watching Moore as she handles one-arm pushups with ease will have you wanting to get back into your own fitness routine and give you new determination when you do so. 

Step Up (2006)

Sometimes, gym movies don't need to be about traditional workouts or sports. In fact, quite a few of the fittest people in the world are such because they're some of the best dancers on the planet. 2006's "Step Up" takes a look at the kind of fitness and control that is required to be the best of the best in the dance world. Starring Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, the movie shows how dance can join people together not only for fitness but for the passion for music and movement in general. Fusing hip-hop and ballet, the teen drama will make you want to break out those old Zumba DVDs you have hiding in the back of your closet.

Whether you're brand new to fitness or you're a seasoned pro who just wants to find your motivation again, you can't go wrong with these movies. There's a little something for everyone and you'll be ready to turn off the TV and get back on your feet in no time.