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Though some might not realize it, sticking to a gym routine takes serious dedication. From pushing through grueling leg days to battling the temptation of skipping your workout for a Netflix binge, it’s not always easy to stay fit.

But a little humor can make it all the more bearable, and Gym Fail Nation on Facebook does just that. This group is dedicated to sharing funny and relatable memes that can lift your spirits even after a tough training session. Scroll down to see some of their best posts below!

#1

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Anna Banana
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4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m fat and I run. Having been massively overweight previously, the way I am now might look “unhealthy” but it’s the best I’ve been and my endocrinologist is very happy with my progress,

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Research shows that most people quit the gym within the first year of joining. A decade-long study that tracked over 5,000 gym members found that 63% of new joiners stopped attending within the first three months, and less than 4% stayed active for more than a year.

However, our struggle to keep exercising isn’t simply due to laziness. Health problems play a big role, with more than half of U.S. adults facing some kind of chronic condition. Long work hours and constant stress add to the pressure. And those with lower incomes often live in areas lacking safe and pleasant spaces for physical activity, making regular workouts even harder.

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    One surprising obstacle that discourages us from being more active is our own brain. “That disinclination, that reluctance, that voice that says, ‘I don’t want to [exercise],’ is completely normal and natural,” says Daniel Lieberman, a human evolutionary biologist and author of Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do is Healthy and Rewarding.

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    Throughout human history, physical effort was crucial for survival tasks like finding or growing food. Humans evolved to handle high levels of movement but also to rest when possible, conserving energy for essential activities. In simpler terms, our ancestors weren’t jogging to burn extra calories. From an evolutionary perspective, “that would be a stupid thing to do,” Lieberman explains. “You’re wasting energy on something that’s not going to give you any benefit whatsoever.”

    Today, we no longer need to move as much for survival, but the instinct to conserve energy persists. This makes it hard for us to find the right motivation to stay fit.

    #5

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    Nea
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like a monkey around even old machines in gymn too.

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    Beyond biological instincts, many people subconsciously carry negative feelings toward exercise from childhood, says Jackie Hargreaves, a senior lecturer on sport and exercise psychology at Leeds Beckett University in the U.K. For instance, experiencing embarrassing gym class moments at school can lead to avoiding workouts well into adulthood, Hargreaves notes.

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    Confidence can also be a big factor. Individuals who see themselves as capable exercisers are more likely to maintain a regular routine, while those who don’t may struggle with consistent motivation, says behavioral scientist Stefanie Williams.

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    Despite all these challenges, there are ways to encourage yourself to exercise, according to fitness experts. “My best advice for staying motivated to workout is to remind yourself of your goals as much as possible, and integrate this into your schedule,” says Jessie Jones Williams, personal trainer at OriGym Center of Excellence.

    Emma Vincent, a personal trainer at PureGym, adds that planning your week ahead can be very effective. Seeing your plan visually can help keep you accountable. “Put inspirational quotes somewhere like your mirror to look at every day,” she suggests. “This alone can give that little burst of motivation you need to get to the gym or to workout.”

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    #10

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    Captive
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My brother and his friend, both lifters, were kicked out of a Chinese all you can eat restaurant

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    Vincent also recommends documenting your progress. “You can look back to see how far you’ve come,” she explains. “This will show you why you’re doing it in the first place, and back up the reason for keeping going, even when you don’t want to.” Using before-and-after pictures or tracking how many reps you can do provides tangible proof of your achievements and keeps you inspired.

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    #14

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    Josi
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder that same thing when I'm driving. "Why aren't all these people at work?" I'm a teacher; we have summers off.

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    As tempting as it may be to work out every day for quicker results, Jones Williams emphasizes the importance of taking breaks. Being well-rested enables you to maintain your routine for longer.

    “You’ll see the best results the more you workout, but you need to be mindful of including enough rest,” Jones Williams says. “You should start by doing two to three days per week, for at least half an hour each time, and build up to four or five days. This will get the best results and make sure that you don’t hinder your future workouts by burning out, overtraining, or getting an injury.”

    #16

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    OhnoI’vebeencensored
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fragile masculinity. I WISH my wife was that strong, she could do all the heavy lifting around the house!

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    The best thing you can do is find an exercise that you actually enjoy. If you like swimming, sign up at a local pool. If dancing is your thing, check out a nearby studio. Enjoy running? The park is always available. Whatever works for you.

    Vincent reminds us that variety is also important. “Mix up your routine,” she says. “Try different classes and different training styles. Change scenery from home workouts, gym workouts and outdoor workouts.”

    #18

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    However, even if you’ve found a workout that suits you well, there might be times when it still feels draining. In these moments, having something exciting to look forward to during exercise can really help. Physician Megan Roche, for example, loves taking photographs, and running gives her an opportunity to look for interesting things to shoot, especially while traveling. “These photos carry me through my running journey,” she says.

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    #22

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    Dak Janiels
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's funny how we sometimes create must win scenarios just to motivate

    Dr. Roche’s husband, David, keeps his workouts enjoyable by incorporating a playful touch. “I struggle with motivation all the time,” he says. “It sounds ridiculous, but if you’re running down a slight hill or even just tired, put your arms out like you’re an airplane and suddenly everything become less serious.”

    #26

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    OhnoI’vebeencensored
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Japan has everything. “There’s a ____ in Japan where _____ do _____.” Challenge: find me a combination of words that does NOT result in a true statement!

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    Incorporating these strategies can make your fitness journey more manageable and sustainable. Remember, exercising should make you feel good, not stressed. Keep things fun and take breaks when you need them. And when you do, treat yourself to some gym memes for a good laugh and some comic relief. You know where to find them.

    #28

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    William Teach
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, but then there's the cramp in your lower back/butt from doing those types of exercises

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    #29

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    Smol Frog
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    thats when i flop on the floor for a few minutes to 'rest'

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    #31

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    Me Oh My (He/They)
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Does your dog bite?" "No." -angry dog noises- "I thought you said your dog did not bite." "That is not my dog."

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    #34

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    #38

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    #40

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    BoredPossum
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eh, when it's 11 am and you've already ate 2000 more calories than you should.

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    #41

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    #42

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    #43

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    #46

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    Sue Denham
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh gosh, no! I'd never abuse caffeine! I welcome it with open arms, lovingly, each morning.

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    #50

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    #51

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    #52

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    #53

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    #56

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    #57

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    #59

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    Did I say that out loud? (he/him)cis/het
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep working out, and maybe one day, you will have calves like Jack Grealish, and someone will make a calendar of them.

    #61

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    #62

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    #65

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    KillerKiwi
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FYI, guys, you don’t actually need to drop the bar when doing dead lifts. You can just set it down gently so nobody jumps like someone was just shot.

    #66

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    #69

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    #70

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    #71

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    #72

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    KillerKiwi
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I haven’t related to anything in this article as much as I would have related to this a year ago

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    #73

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    KillerKiwi
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    hehehehe and they are skin and bone but they wear tank tops and try to pretend they’re jacked and half their time is spent looking in a mirror

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    #75

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    #78

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    #80

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    White Sauce Hot Sauce
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    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To the people about to downvote this post because the labels are there, look again. The plates aren't aligned with the labels.

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    #81

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