Image by Sergey Filimonov / Stocksy March 02, 2026 When it comes to exercise, motivation is everything. In fact, the act of getting to the gym, class, or hiking trail can often be more challenging than doing the physical activity itself. And interestingly, one study in mice1 found that paying attention to your gut health might make exercise motivation a bit easier to muster. Can your gut bacteria inspire you to work out?