The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation

by Michael Matthews

Have you ever gotten into your car after a long day at work, and even though you promised yourself you'd hit the gym, you head straight home for the couch instead? Have you ever been unable to stop hitting the Snooze button every morning (instead of the gym)? Have you ever been secretly afraid that you just don't have what it takes to really change your body and life? Have you ever struggled so much to build a better body and life that you wondered if it's really worth it? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, I understand. I've been there myself. Years ago, I was stuck in a rut in the gym, I was making minimum payments on tens of thousands of dollars of credit card debt, and I had no idea where I should go in my life, let alone how to get there. Today, I'm a "super-fit" bestselling author with over one million books sold, and the owner and founder of several 7- and 8-figure businesses, including Muscle for Life, Legion Athletics, and Waterbury Publications. (And perhaps more importantly, I also found a unicorn for a wife who has given me two kids who are kinda the coolest.) How the hell did all that happen? Did I sell my soul to the Dread Lord Cthulhu? Discover the one weird trick to melting belly fat, debt, and existential angst. . . in just 5 minutes per day? Develop an expensive but highly productive cocaine habit? Not quite. What really happened is, well, kind of boring: I read scores of books, worked thousands of hours, and overcame more setbacks than I can count. In other words, I did the hard stuff that most people don't want to do, and I'm ready to share the biggest lessons I've learned along the way. And now, while I don't know everything about personal growth, I do know what it takes to develop the skills, habits, and spirit required to transform your body and life. I also know that anyone can use these powerful strategies to overcome the biggest mental and emotional blocks holding them back from realizing their potential in the same way that I have. No matter who you are or what difficulties you're facing, you can empower yourself to have the body you want to have, become the person you want to be, and live the life you want to live. That's why I wrote this book. It's my personal-and 100% practical and hands-on-blueprint for personal transformation, inside and outside of the gym, and it will provide you with new and valuable knowledge and skills that you will use for the rest of your life. In short, I wrote this book to help you fix the biggest things that are holding you back from doing and achieving the things you care most about. To do that, I share wisdom and insights from hundreds of scientific studies and scores of legendary artists, authors, entrepreneurs, philosophers, generals, and conquerors, as well as my own biggest "a ha" moments that are most responsible for where I am today. Armed with the information you'll learn inside my new book, you're going to start living life with more energy, enthusiasm, and nerve. You're going to develop a new paradigm for interacting with yourself and your environment. And if you really take these lessons to heart, you might just enter a transformative period of your life and discover that you're capable of far more than you ever thought possible. So, don't miss this golden opportunity to learn what most people will never know about developing the mindset, skills, and determination required to win, inside and outside of the gym. Scroll up, buy this book today, and by the end of it, you will never again wonder what it takes to get and stay motivated to build the body and life of your dreams.

Genres: Fitness, Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Personal Development, Audiobook, Sports

235 pages, Hardcover

Published August 30, 2018

About the author

Hi,

I’m Mike and I’ve been training for nearly a decade now.

I believe that every person can achieve the body of his or her dreams, and I work hard to give everyone that chance by providing workable, proven advice grounded in science, not a desire to sell phony magazines, workout products, or supplements.

I’ve helped quite a few people achieve their health and fitness goals, and at their urging, I am sharing what I’ve learned and know works here in this website, and in my books.

So if you’re looking to get in shape and look great, then I think I can help you. I hope you enjoy my website and books, and feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions and I’ll do my best to help.

Sincerely,

Mike

http://www.muscleforlife.com/

Reviews

[Twila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical motivation book! It's not even about exercise, really. It’s about much more.

…this book is going to ask you to do more than just read and think. Although it has “motivation” in its title, it’s meant to do more than make you feel something, because that’s never enough.

I bought this book purely on a whim as an add-on to a supplement order from Mike’s company, Legion Athletics (there’s your free plug, buddy). I’m an occasional listener to his fitness podcast and didn’t think it would contain anything that I hadn’t already heard from him. I also wasn’t in need of “motivation” per se and didn’t really see the need of reading about the “softer” side of fitness, but I was curious and thought to maybe give it to some family members.

Long story short, I never knew this little book would pack such a punch!

More than anything, I think the title does it such a disservice. This is not just about motivation to exercise. It’s not filled with rah-rah speeches telling us to, “Shut up and take the pain!” and to, “Just do the freaking work!” It’s about mindset and developing discipline. About the gym, sure, but really about things outside of the gym. It’s about pursuing excellence in any area of your life that you care about. It’s about wanting to be BETTER.

I trust Mike’s advice. In an industry chock-filled with charlatans, he’s one of the good ones that actually cares about helping people. He’s one who’s seen and heard it all, knows what the real issues are that are affecting people and what works for them and what doesn’t. I’ve read his other books and know how he goes above and beyond to provide us with real and unbiased science-based research and distils it in a simple and no-nonsense way that anyone can understand. This book was no exception. He provides us with countless anecdotes and advice from military generals, philosophers, respected authors, entrepreneurs, etc. and weaves them in a compelling blend of relatable stories, evidence-based scientific research and practical/useful instructions. There was so much wisdom and eye-opening facts of reality on each page that I have more of the book highlighted than I don’t.

He not only provides us with wise advice, but actionable advice and mental strategies alongside clear and concise steps to help develop an actual system for us to draw on to continually move forward. He doesn’t rely on the most unique or creative methods but on the best and most successful methods/techniques.

And let me tell you, this book was not an easy read. There are tons of introspective questions, there are daily challenges—he made me take a cold shower one day, that wasn’t very nice—and you’re told to write action steps down. You’re asked to go throughout the day being mindful of certain thought patterns. It’s hard work and it takes time.

Life is fraught with peril and suffering, and there are innumerable ways to court chaos and reap the whirlwind. If we want to steer clear of as much catastrophe as possible, then we’d better get serious about making the proper sacrifices now lest we find ourselves forced to make much harder sacrifices later down the line.

But it’s time well spent.

[Ruth Peake · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so bad, it was basically just a collection of other people’s ideas and did nothing to help me with my motivation. Such a struggle to get through, very boring and basic

[J.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Matthews is the real deal

Back in 2012 I purchased a fitness book with only a few reviews on Amazon. A year previously I had started working out again and had made some good gains initially but had hit a major plateau. That book was Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Michael Matthews and by following it’s workout and diet program to the letter I gained 30lbs of lean muscle bringing my body weight up from 165lbs to 195lbs. In doing so I became a fan of Mike and started reading his website religiously and following him on social media. If I could sum up his style in both the fitness arena and in life it would be that he will tell you exactly what you need to do but not what you want to hear.

For example his workout program is tough. There isn’t a day that you aren’t doing some heaving pushing, pulling, and squatting movements. That can be off putting to people who just go to the gym to socialize and get a pump but it’s exactly what’s required to get results. This book on self-improvement and motivation is no different. You will be asked to write action steps down, be mindful of negative habits and thought patterns, and most importantly to put his recommendations into action which requires hard work and new ways of both living and looking at life.

This isn’t a book like “The Secret” that tells you that life is amazing and all you need to do is think about attracting success and eventually the universe will send success your way in abundance. This book is the anti-The Secret. It will tell you how to get your hands dirty, get a little crazy, and put some steel in your spine to go after the things that will truly improve your life. The thing is if you literally did the things he recommends I don’t see how you could fail. It’s just like his workout program. You’re going to be doing some simple and basic things that truly make a difference but you’re going to put so much effort and hard work into them that results are almost guaranteed. So in short read this book. Read his workout books and his website. Don’t think you know more than him and give his recommendations a shot and I promise you will not be disappointed.

[William T. Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great source of motivation and how to get and stay motivated and achieve results - with your body and your life.

Great read and now a great reference on the art and science of motivation and how to apply it and keep in your life.

Using long standing wisdom and recent science, Mike Matthews lays out a clear strategy, action plan and source of strength to get and stay motivated - in life and with health and working out.

A true gift I’ll treasure and use as a reference for a life time.

[Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should be called "The Little Black Book of Self-help Books Review".
An easy and quick read, not as motivated as I thought. The author is well read and knowledgable on some of the most successful self-help books. In my opinion there should be more content relating to "workout" instead of general "happiness and success" from those books.

[Korey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Getting tired of these add-on sales books from authors that do well with their first book or two writing original content and then piece together quotes and studies taken from elsewhere. It's still motivating; but most of the content people will have seen many times before.

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a lot of words about achieving and success and working hard. Very little specifically about working out, it was like a life coach book. As someone else said, it's really just a collection of other people's ideas. Just didn't get a good vibe from it and don't feel motivated.

[Nahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Mike since July 2012. His first book, "Bigger Leaner Stronger" just came out and was getting praise from readers who used his methods to get their dream physique. Fast forward to today, Mike has become the bestselling author of three books and has co-founded three multimillion-dollar business. He is not a celebrity of any kind. A self-educated guy who put knowledge into practice and has changed millions of people's lives (he is still on his journey). When his latest book, "The Little Black Book of Motivation" was about to publish, I asked him whether it's a regurgitation of some cliché techniques from personal transformation books. His answer was, "it will be different." And yes, it is. Unlike many of the so-called "Gurus" and "Experts" Mike doesn't fill his book with pseudo-scientific b.s. or hide behind his (admittedly impressive) credentials so that he can profit by feeding people regurgitated platitudes. And this is the book that perhaps a missing manual of favorite genres which published thousands of copies per month. This book stands out alone.

The book is not only workout motivation but far more from that. Life, happiness, business, profession, health, and fitness. Many books deal with "What" of everything in life and merely touches "How" and "Why," sometimes in vagueness. But this book, aside from tackling "How" and "Why", explains the "What, When, Where, If, Then" method of planning that can make a person up to 240 percent more likely to follow through on his/her intentions, willpower, self-control, productivity, beating procrastination and staying strong during moments of temptation. The book contains a chock-full of research on each psychological trick to elevate a person's performance and mood in every area of lives. At the end of the book, Mike has provided a savable, shareable, printable quick start guide with all the book's key takeaways, exercises, action items, productivity tools, and checklists. A reader needs to put the insights into action.
If you're struggling to get motivated, stay disciplined, and generally get your sh** stuff together, then you need to read this book. I will consider this is the best book I have read in 2018.

[Simone Bocedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

<< Re-read it in December 2023 and it has aged really well: all the teaching still stand and it’s a small little
Book on motivation, discipline and happiness. >>


After enjoying Mike’s gym and workout books and following his fitness program and meal plan every week I thought I’d buy this book as well, even if I don’t need motivation to wake up and go to the gym. I meant it a gesture, to support the author who’s given me so much* on the health side of my life.

And then I read the book and realized is not AT ALL about workout. It’s about life in general and how you can and should get the best out of it. Surely one big part is being healthy and workout, but there’s so much more than just that in here. A really good read.

*: If you need a workout program check out Mike Matthews BLS and TLS books.

[Ian Gagorik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation and loved it! I thought it was going to be some puff piece of self-help bs, and instead found it to be a concise guide to living a successful life. I actually think its the best book Michael Matthew has written to date.

[Amy Gucci · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not bad, but seemed repetitive to me in that sooo many other books have said the same. Not sure what I was looking/hoping for, but this didn’t do it for me. Didn’t seem to have a lot to do with actually working out which seemed odd to me.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but didn’t totally feel motivated? I think it might be more effective for men (I don’t like being yelled at).

[Alla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t be fooled by the title. I bought this as a present to myself for Christmas not wanting anything this year. All Amazon reviews said it was a great way to kick you back into the gym when days are short and lockdown life is hard. I’m definitely hitting the home gym again next week but this book is so much more.

The little black book is generally a great booster - harsh but kind, gruesome but optimistic, most importantly to me - very honest and real. It helped me put abstract thoughts into a plan, “snap out of it” (I”it” being lockdown misery mode) and want to DO better, not just imagine better. I love the library of actionable advice - tips and tricks, and have highlighted many reading recommendations and quotes. But first - do the work.

I don’t agree with everything in this book (especially some advice on training past painful warnings!) and it won’t resonate with everyone in its somewhat harsh language (I like harsh). The mindset it tries to instil and some science-backed advice it distilled into a short read (kudos on that) is what makes it a worthwhile read.

[Yeongseon Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive, wordy, lack of supporting evidence for some of the claims, and containing typos. Michael Mathews begins the book with interesting ideas about workout.

"The conflicts we learn to endure in the gym empower us in our daily lives as well. The concentration, discipline, and resilience carry over. The way to do anything is, at bottom, the way to do everything".

I agree with his view on the values we develop in the gym carrying over to what we do in everyday life, which is why I kept reading the book.

I found the first couple of chapters motivational and even inspirational; however, most of the other chapters are unoriginal as the author repeats himself or lists what others say. Many of the quotes at the beginning of the chapters are the same as the ones he used in his previous book, Bigger, Leaner, Stronger, and the first few chapters of the two books are very similar in content and format.

Also, there are statements that show the author's mistrust in some of the practices in the mainstream fitness industry:
"I want to lead the fight against mainstream health and fitness pseudoscience and BS. Unfortunately, this space is full of misinformation, disinformation, idiots, liars, and hucksters, and I want to do something about it. I'd like to become known as the go-to guy for practical, easy-to-understand advice grounded in real science and results".
I expect to read supporting points for claims like this, but there wasn't enough to understand where he's coming from.

[manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Mike Matthews since high school and he has taught me a lot. In addition, I have read a number of his books, read his articles, and listened to numerous podcasts. Nonetheless, I still found encouragement and learned practical information in this book. In fact, it was exactly what I needed during this season of my life. In the book, you will find motivation, not only in fitness, but in life as a whole. Anyone can pick this book up and learn something from it. Above all, anyone can pick it up and walk away a better individual. I recommend this book to virtually everyone!

[Ommar H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bien entretenido y con buenas anécdotas y ejemplos, muy practico y muy recomendable lectura

[Charlotte Dunn]

I picked this up in my aunt’s house as she’s ran multiple Ironman events and ultras so thought it must be decent. Yeah solid workout advice.

[Nathaniel Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Book was very informational and researched facts. It inspired me to be a better coach and I am using the workouts personally

[Mason Frierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

More than a workout motivational book

This is a no-bs, get to work, action oriented manual for success in fitness and in life. Mike Matthews surpasses expectations again with another timeless title full of best practices, insights and tools. Unlike many gurus in the fitness industry, Mike is a genuine guy who cares about helping people with their fitness, health and lives.

In this book Mike explains that if you can change your body, you can change your life. Because the tools you learn in the kitchen and the gym are transferrable to many, many other areas of success.

So sit down and give this book the time it deserves. Highlight everything that is interesting, take copious notes, and really study it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following Michael Matthews' work ever since he first got his start almost a decade ago now, across both of his websites and all of his books, including the smaller books of "miscellaneous" fitness information. This book in particular gets high marks, even among his work, for going beyond just fitness motivation; the book works to inspire the reader to change and improve their general lifestyle in a way that is different than the usual methods.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to start a health & fitness journey, as well as anyone looking to become a more organized, harder working individual.

[Chukwudike C-Madù · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book that thought principles that not only will help in the gym...but your whole life! Mike preaches taking accountability in this book and not complaining what you do not have but rather focusing on the resources you can work with. I suggest this book to anyone looking to build a strong foundation in the gym and transfer it over to their life. "If you can change your body, you can change your life."

[Ash White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the kick in the pants I needed to get my life back on track and actually make some real progress towards my goals. If you find yourself just spinning the wheels or not even spinning at all, definitely check this one out. Lots of activities, bonus content, etc. Also available as an audiobook read by the author.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Gonna read it again.

I like that the author is widely read and his content is well researched but presented in his own practical voice. Only thing I didn’t like was too much sales hype to start. Past that, it got good. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in personal growth and overall self improvement, not just body improvement.

[Mafer Ángeles · Rating 2 out of 5]

No es el libro que esperaba. Creí que literal vendrían rutinas de ejercicio o planes alimenticios pero resultó ser self-help.
No digo que sea un libro malo, de hecho, muchas cosas que leí las aprendí en terapia, así que seguramente puede resultar de ayuda para alguien que quiere modificar sus hábitos para bien.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more than just workout motivation. Matthews does a great job at motivating you in LIFE!! This was such an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it if you need a little encouragement.

[Daniel Gulyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cool book, it contains important bits of practical psychology distilled from a lot of raw material, selected for the general problems that come up when you try to do hard things.

Good ideas on the last chapter, Michael!

[Terry Croyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solzhenitsyn? Referenced in a work-up motivation book? It's here, as well as other enlightened citations. I learned a good deal and will keep this on my shelf for further inspiration.

[Alan Lule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind opener

[TPLL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read/listen if you need a kick in the pants. My favorite chapter is shut up and train. I listened and enjoyed it very much. Definitely take advantage of the bonus materials!

[Dennis Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly fun read.