Motivation is a recurring theme in life, as it acts as a driving force behind our actions. Oftentimes, motivation is most commonly discussed in conjunction with bigger life habits, like the motivation behind clocking in at work or putting in some time on the treadmill at the gym. But by definition, motivation is indicative of our needs, wants, desires, and even our urges. So, whether we realize it or not, the decision we made between kicks and heels for our outfit of the day today, the choice behind our early morning drink order, or what we decided to have for lunch -- these choices are also fueled by motivation.
In collaboration with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin MD, founder, and CEO of Gemma and author of Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness, Peloton recently unveiled five motivation languages we can apply to wellness. Inspired by Gary Chapman's love languages, motivation languages act as a way to help people tap into the things that drive them and ultimately move them to, well, move. And although the motivation languages denote one's approach to health and well-being, these languages transcend to encompass how we approach our lives as a whole as well. “Motivation is key not only when it comes to fitness routines, but also in daily decision making -- understanding our ‘why’ helps us feel connected to ourselves," Dr. Lakshmin tells xoNecole.
"The motivation languages offer a way for people to engage in deeper conversations with themselves and find out what will positively impact them as they approach fitness and wellness. Fueling our bodies and minds with things that we know will encourage and motivate us is how we can truly care for ourselves."
The motivation languages were crafted based on findings from a five-market research study conducted by Peloton. Through that research, they discovered that motivation was something 7 out of 10 survey respondents said made them feel like they could accomplish anything. Additionally, through those findings, Peloton learned that motivation looks different for different people. From there, with the help of Dr. Lakshmin, they founded the five foundational motivation languages:
- Having Fun
- Achieving Goals
- Building Community
- Positive Affirmations
- Tough Love
To learn more about motivation languages and how we can apply them to our wellness journeys this year and beyond, xoNecole chatted with Dr. Lakshmin and Peloton Instructor Matty Maggiacomo. Keep reading for more.
How to Identify Your Primary Motivation Language
Dr. Lakshmin believes that motivation language allows us to take back our power and bring self-care back into our own hands. But how do we learn which motivation language belongs to us? Similar to love languages, Dr. Lakshmin suggests identifying your primary motivation language by asking yourself questions about what you like and don't like as it relates to motivation and the descriptions for the motivation languages.
The 5 Motivation Languages, According to Peloton
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1. Having Fun
According to Peloton, Having Fun is about enjoying yourself, relaxing, letting loose, and having a good time. Movement is more about how it makes you feel than how it makes you look, and you are motivated by ease and pleasure in your approach to fitness and wellness. As a mantra, Dr. Lakshmin says, "I'm the best version of myself when I am relaxed and carefree."
Maggiacomo notes that there are a plethora of Peloton workouts from various instructors to choose from that fit your motivation language. For Having Fun, he advises "Callie Gullickson for a dynamic strength class."
2. Achieving Goals
"Achieving Goals" means you experience motivation through performing your 'best,' reaching milestones, and meeting the performance goals you have for yourself. As a goal-oriented person, your mantra for this motivation language could be, "Nothing feels better to me than a job well done." And for a workout that speaks your motivation language, Maggiacomo tells xoNecole, "Camila Ramón has the best 15-minute en Español ride."
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3. Building Community
As a motivation language, building community means exactly that - fostering a sense of community around your approach to wellness. Your motivation comes from connecting with others and inviting family and friends to make wellness and fitness a collaborative effort. A mantra for you might be: "I feel my best when I'm connected to others who are working toward similar goals."
"If Building Community is your vibe, Ben Alldis brings everyone together with his 30-minute classic rock rides," Maggiacomo reveals.
4. Positive Affirmations
It should come as no surprise, but if your motivation language is positive affirmations, it means that your motivation thrives when you are positively affirmed. Encouragement, positivity, and kindness go a long way for you, when it comes from others but also when it comes from within. Dr. Lakshmin's mantra for you is, "I am worthy of showing up for myself."
Maggiacomo adds, "I am a big believer of Positive Affirmations, so if that speaks to your language you can either try a 60-minute Gospel Walk with Kirsten Ferguson or a 30-minute Pop Run with me."
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5. Tough Love
If you resonate most with tough love as your motivation language, this means that you are motivated by structure and have a no-BS approach to wellness and fitness. Hard work is not a deterrent, it's a motivator. In fact, "regimen" is your middle name. A mantra for you would be, "Hard work pays off in the long run." Maggiacomo's Peloton class pick for Tough Love? The fitness instructor recommends the 30-minute Tabata ride offered by fellow instructor Olivia Amato.
Check out the Peloton App for more classes to choose from and find out more about Motivation Language on Peloton’s Pinterest page.
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Below, find our favorite Black TV moms that “raised us” and why we’ll always ride for them.
Clair Huxtable (The Cosby Show)
Graceful, brilliant, and uncompromising, Clair was the archetype of the accomplished Black mother, shattering stereotypes as a high-powered attorney raising five kids with warmth and wit. Phylicia Rashad’s portrayal of Clair from 1984 to 1992 earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations (and fun fact: she was the first Black actress ever nominated in that category!).
Beyond her career moves and fabulous wardrobe, Clair Huxtable was that mom who listened, who read you for filth when necessary, and who loved you out loud with elegance and humor. She taught us that you could be nurturing and a boss at the same time—and you didn’t have to apologize for it.
Vivian Banks aka Aunt Viv (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Bel-Air)
Whether it was Janet Hubert’s sharp-tongued sophistication or Daphne Maxwell Reid’s calm, nurturing energy, Aunt Viv was—and still is—the heart and soul of the Banks family. She was the type of woman who could shut down a whole dinner party with just one raised eyebrow and make you feel wrapped in love two minutes later.
Let’s not forget: Aunt Viv took Will into her home like he was her own, showing us what unconditional love and family really look like. And can we talk about her iconic dance moves during that one unforgettable audition scene? Legendary!
In Bel-Air, actress Cassandra Freeman continues Aunt Viv’s legacy, bringing her own strength, softness, and modern-day brilliance to the role.
Rainbow Johnson (Black-ish)
Played by Tracee Ellis Ross, Bow navigates modern motherhood with heart, humor, and a strong sense of cultural pride while balancing a medical career and a quirky family.
Bow's hair alone could have its own spin-off show—from box braids to silk presses to natural curls, every style, crafted by department head Araxi Lindsey (who is also Ross’ personal stylist), was a love letter to Black hair’s versatility.
As a biracial woman raising Black children, Bow also gave voice to the complexities of identity in a way that felt authentic and overdue. She wasn’t perfect, and that’s what made her so real and so beloved.
Dr. Miranda Bailey (Grey’s Anatomy)
There’s tough love, and then there’s Dr. Bailey love. Portrayed by Chandra Wilson, Miranda Bailey has long been the no-nonsense moral compass of Grey Sloan Memorial. But her journey as a mother, especially raising a Black son in today’s America, brought even deeper layers to her character.
She’s not just a mom biologically; she's a mentor, protector, and guiding light for countless young doctors who came through those hospital doors. Bailey showed us that nurturing leadership isn't soft, it’s one of the bravest things you can do. She’s a true Grey’s Anatomy legend and has been right alongside Meredith Grey throughout all 20 seasons of the show.
Nikki Parker (The Parkers)
Where do we even begin with Nikki Parker? Played to hilarious perfection by Mo’Nique, Nikki was a bold, extra, and fiercely loving single mom who decided to go back to college so she could better herself and stay close to her daughter, Kim. (Bestie energy, but make it maternal.)
Their mother-daughter bond was pure magic—equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and relatable. Nikki taught us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, especially when the people you love are counting on you.
Rochelle Rock (Everybody Hates Chris)
As the matriarch of a working-class Brooklyn family, Rochelle, played by the forever-legendary Tichina Arnold, was tough, protective, and endlessly quotable. Her “I don’t need this, my man has two jobs” became an anthem for fed-up moms everywhere.
Inspired by Chris Rock’s own mother, Rochelle was a love letter to the fierce, funny, over-it Black moms who held it down with limited resources and unlimited love. She was a reminder that sometimes, love looks like keeping the lights on and dragging you by the ear when you got out of line.
Tasha Mack (The Game)
Wendy Raquel Robinson’s portrayal of Tasha Mack gave us one of TV’s most unapologetic portrayals of a working Black mom. Loud, loyal, and unapologetically herself, Tasha was both a top-tier sports manager and a ride-or-die mom to her son, Malik.
Their bond was messy, complicated, and so real. It showed the challenges of balancing ambition with motherhood, especially when you’re trying to break barriers in a male-dominated industry. Tasha raised Malik with tough love, but at the end of the day, it was always clear: nobody had his back like his mama.
Trudy Proud (The Proud Family)
Trudy Proud, voiced by Paula Jai Parker, was that mom who balanced her career as a veterinarian, Oscar’s chaotic get-rich-quick schemes, and being a mom of three with a whole lot of love (and side-eye when necessary).
With a perfect blend of patience, real talk, and "don't play with me" energy, Trudy raised Penny and her siblings with love, culture, and plenty of teachable moments. And let's not forget: when The Proud Family first dropped in 2001, it was one of the few animated shows centered on a Black family, giving an entire generation the representation we deserved—colorful, complicated, and full of heart.
Dee Mitchell aka Aunt Dee (Moesha)
Dee Mitchell (affectionately known as Aunt Dee) was that steady, loving force who knew how to keep it real without ever raising her voice. Played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dee stepped into the Mitchell household after marrying Moesha’s father and brought a much-needed dose of patience, structure, and heart to the family.
Navigating the complexities of blending a family, especially with a headstrong teenager like Moesha, was no small feat. She showed us that bonus moms are real moms too, and that sometimes, love is about showing up even when it’s not easy.
Honorable Mention: Barbara Howard (Abbott Elementary)
Sheryl Lee Ralph has a knack for this TV moms stuff, and we couldn’t wrap this list without tipping our hat to another maternal role she’s played: thee Barbara Howard. While Barb is technically a mom, the show focuses on her role as a teacher at Abbott. But let’s be real, she's a full-on work mom to every kid (and adult—we’re talking to you, Janine) who crosses her path.
With wisdom, warmth, and a healthy dose of “baby, please,” Barbara shows up every day modeling excellence and patience. A true matriarch in the halls of Abbott Elementary and in our hearts.
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