Mohsin Lag
These 16 best workout anime series can be a great source of inspiration and motivation for those fans, who are looking to hit the gym or get their bodies in shape. We’ll be highlighting some of the top anime that feature workout, training, or fitness themes. Therefore, if you’re a fan of action, martial arts, sports, or simply living a healthy lifestyle, there’s sure to be something on this list that will catch your interest. So without any more delay, let’s dive into what we’ve got in store for you!
16. Grand Blue
Grand Blue is a Japanese sports anime series about diving, that features characters with fit bodies, which might inspire you to start a workout routine. The storyline follows the adventures of Iori Kitahara, who moves to the picturesque coastal town of Izu for his freshman year at university. Iori takes up residence above Grand Blue, his uncle’s scuba diving shop, and hopes to have an unforgettable college experience.
However, his plans take a wild turn when he encounters the Diving Club members, who spend their time engaging in various drunken activities. Despite his reluctance, Iori gets drawn into their bizarre parties, thanks to the persuasion of upperclassmen Shinji Tokita and Ryuujirou Kotobuki. Unfortunately, things take a sour turn when his cousin Chisa Kotegawa catches him in the act, leading to her disapproval.
15. Uramichi Oniisan
Uramichi Oniisan is a unique anime that tackles the reality of adulthood through the eyes of a former gymnast named Uramichi Omota. Uramichi is a children’s show host on “Together with Mama” and is surrounded by a team of adults who struggle to maintain a happy and cheerful demeanor while educating young children. Uramichi, however, is different. He can’t help but reveal the harsh truths of life, even in front of the cameras.
Off-camera, Uramichi is constantly bothered by his two co-workers, Utano Tadano and Iketeru Daga, who work as the show’s rabbit and bear mascots and singers. Utano only wants to get married, while Iketeru has a crass sense of humor. With his unconventional approach to life lessons, Uramichi always manages to bring up important topics such as smoking, exercising, and nihilism. Through Uramichi’s unique perspective, fans are encouraged to confront the not-so-glamorous side of adulthood while still finding humor and motivation in life.
14. Run With The Wind
Run with The Wind is a captivating anime that focuses on fitness training and working out for the sports of running. The story revolves around Kakeru Kurahara, a former ace runner of Sendai Josei High School who’s caught shoplifting at a convenience store. As he runs away from his pursuer, he bumps into Haiji Kiyose, another student from his university. Haiji is impressed by Kakeru’s running skills and invites him to live in Chikusei-sou, a shabby apartment where he resides with eight other students. Kakeru, who’s lost all his money at a mahjong parlor, reluctantly accepts the offer.
During Kakeru’s welcome party, Haiji reveals a shocking secret: the apartment is actually the Kansei University Track Club’s dormitory. Haiji has a bold plan of participating in the Hakone Ekiden, a famous university marathon relay race in Japan. However, there’s a problem: apart from Kakeru and Haiji, none of the other residents are experienced, runners. To make matters worse, they’re not keen on joining Haiji’s wild scheme! With only a few months left before the deadline, will the fourth-year student persuade his housemates to participate in the race and achieve his lifelong dream?
13. Re-Main
Re-Main is an exciting sports anime that centers around water polo. As with many sports anime, it follows the classic underdog story, where the protagonist workout, and goes through hard training to achieve their dreams. The story begins with Minato Kiyomizu waking up in a hospital after being comatose for 203 days due to a car accident. To his surprise, he has lost all memory of his middle school years, including his love for water polo. However, as he starts to remember, Minato realizes that he wants to continue playing the sport he once loved, despite his physical setbacks.
On his first day at Yamanami High School, Minato is reminded of his past and makes a promise that leads him to join the school’s water polo club. Despite being rusty and out of practice, he and his clubmates work hard to recruit new members and train tirelessly to become a successful team. Through intensive rehabilitation and hard work, Minato strives to regain his former talent and become one of Japan’s most respected water polo players once again. Re-Main is an inspiring story about determination, passion, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
12. Sk8: The Infinity
SK8 the Infinity is a breathtaking anime that revolves around the world of skateboarding. Reki Kyan, a high school student, is deeply passionate about skateboarding and participates in underground skateboarding races known as “S” races. However, after a devastating loss that results in a broken arm and a destroyed skateboard, Reki is unable to skate anymore.
One day, while working, Reki meets Langa Hasegawa, a new classmate who is half-Canadian and half-Japanese and has no experience in skateboarding. Langa is in need of money, and after they visit “S” together, they find themselves in trouble and are forced into a bet where Langa must skate in a race. Despite Langa’s lack of experience, he holds a secret that could help him win the race in a unique and unexpected way. SK8 the Infinity is a thrilling story that showcases the workout, training, and passion that skaters have for their sport.
11. Free!
Free! is an anime that celebrates the sport of swimming as a great way to stay fit and healthy. It follows the story of Haruka Nanase, who has a deep love and passion for swimming. When he was younger, he won a relay race with his friends Rin Matsuoka, Nagisa Hazuki, and Makoto Tachibana. Years later, the four friends reunite as high school students. However, Rin is no longer interested in being friends with Haruka and only wants to prove that he is a better swimmer.
Aside from this setback, Haruka, Nagisa, and Makoto start the Iwatobi High School Swim Club and recruit a fourth member, Rei Ryuugazaki, to help them compete in an upcoming tournament. Together, they train hard and develop a strong bond, all while preparing to compete and settle the rivalry between Haruka and Rin. Through their dedication to swimming, they learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, and the benefits of staying active and fit through sports.
10. Farewell, My Dear Cramer
Farewell, My Dear Cramer tells the story of girls who are determined to work out and train to revive the dwindling reputation of women’s soccer in Japan. Nozomi Onda has exceptional soccer skills but believes that playing with other girls would only hold her back. Sumire Suou is a talented rookie whose abilities are being limited by her team’s lack of skill. Eventually, the two cross paths as members of the Warabi Seinan High School’s girls soccer team, with Suou being accompanied by her close friend and rival, Midori Soshizaki.
As they compete together, they start to display their full potential and skills on the field, and with the help of their teammates, they strive for victory. Their journey may also pave the way for women’s soccer to regain its lost glory. The football anime captures the struggles, efforts, and triumphs of these girls as they train and work hard to become top-notch female soccer players.
9. Gymnastics Samurai
The Gymnastics Samurai is a workout anime that follows Joutarou Aragaki, a legendary gymnast known as Samurai for his unique hairstyle. He suffers a devastating shoulder injury after the death of his wife, which leads to a decline in his performance. Despite his efforts to recover, his progress remains stagnant, and his coach suggests retirement.
Accompanied by his nine-year-old daughter, Rei, Joutarou takes a trip to Ego Wonderland to break the news to her gently. However, they meet a strange ninja named Leonardo, who follows them home and disrupts Joutarou’s plans to tell Rei about his retirement.
When Joutarou discovers that Leonardo wants to witness his gymnastics skills again, he decides to make a comeback and dedicate himself to the biggest challenge of his career. With the support of his daughter and newfound friends, Joutarou sets out to prove that he still belongs in the gymnastics world.
8. Yowamushi Pedal
Yowamushi Pedal is an anime about the power of working out and dedication to the sport of biking. Sakamichi Onoda, a cheerful and devoted otaku, sets out to join his school’s anime club and make new friends. But when he discovers that the club has been disbanded, he decides to revive it by searching for like-minded students.
Despite not having much luck, Onoda doesn’t give up and continues his weekly 90-kilometer ride to Akihabara on his old and bulky city bicycle. On his journey, he meets Shunsuke Imaizumi, a determined cyclist who practices on the school’s steep incline. Impressed by Onoda’s climbing skills, Imaizumi challenges him to a race, with the condition that Onoda can join the anime club if he wins. From there, Onoda embarks on a new journey into the world of high school bicycle racing, where he discovers his hidden talent and passion for the sport.
7. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is a motivational and inspiring anime series that follows the journey of Izuku Midoriya, a boy who dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without any powers. In a world where having “quirks” or superpowers is the norm, Izuku is considered an outcast by society.
But Izuku doesn’t let that deter him from his aspirations. Instead, he works hard and trains rigorously to improve his physical and mental fitness so that he can become a hero like his idol, All Might. His training includes grueling workout routines, pushing himself to his limits, and constantly striving for improvement.
Motivated by his burning desire to help others, Izuku faces numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. He must overcome physical challenges, mental setbacks, and difficult opponents to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming the greatest hero of all time.
6. Anitore! EX
Anitore EX is a motivational anime series that blends comedy and sports to help viewers get fit through short episodes. The show features a range of exercises, including push-ups, sit-ups, spine twists, dance, yoga, stretches, trunk training, and taichi. The anime follows five girls who are working hard to become idols and they’ll exercise alongside the viewer. This workout anime tv show aims to help fans reduce their body fat percentage by a whopping 1000%! Get ready to move your soul and body with Anitore EX!
5. Baki The Grappler
Baki The Grappler is another good workout anime about martial arts and hard training that will surely motivate you to hit the gym. Baki Hanma has been training his entire life, building his body and learning various fighting techniques from his mother. His goal is to surpass his father, Yuujirou Hanma, known as the “Ogre” and considered to be the strongest man alive.
As Baki grows older, he realizes that his mother’s teachings alone won’t be enough to defeat his father. So, he sets out on his own journey to become stronger, seeking out powerful opponents to train and fight with. Through these experiences, he not only strengthens his body but also his spirit. With the inevitable showdown against his father looming, Baki continues to push himself to his limits, determined to emerge victorious.
4. How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?
How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? is a popular workout anime that will inspire you to start exercising and achieve a well-shaped body. Hibiki Sakura, a gluttonous high schooler, is worried about her expanding waistline, so her friend Ayaka Uehara suggests that she join the newly opened Silverman Gym. At the gym’s orientation, Hibiki meets Akemi Souryuuin, the school’s idol and student council president.
However, Hibiki soon discovers that the gym is filled with world-renowned bodybuilders and athletes, and Akemi is a total muscle fetishist! Disgusted, Hibiki decides to leave but is stopped by trainer Naruzou Machio, who captivates her with his knowledge and enthusiasm for fitness. Enchanted by Naruzou, Hibiki signs up as a gym member, embarking on a new lifestyle full of exercise and healthy eating. As she adjusts to her new routine, she realizes that getting in shape is not just about looking good but also about feeling confident and strong.
3. One Punch Man
In the anime series One Punch Man, the protagonist Saitama has a unique hobby of being a hero, and he takes his workout regime very seriously. After relentlessly training for three years, he has become so powerful that he can defeat any enemy with just one punch. However, being so overpowered has led Saitama to become bored with his fights, as he has no one who can challenge him.
One day, a young cyborg named Genos sees Saitama’s power and becomes his disciple, hoping to learn from him. Genos suggests that they join the Hero Association to become certified heroes and use their abilities to help society. Saitama agrees, excited to find new challenges and allies to fight alongside. Along the way, they encounter new enemies and make new friends, as Saitama strives to find excitement in his battles once again.
2. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple is the perfect workout anime for those who love to train and learn new martial arts skills. Kenichi Shirahama, a high schooler, spends his free time buried in self-help books when he is not getting beaten up at the karate club. One day, he accidentally scares the new student in his class, Miu Furinji, who throws him down on the ground. After apologizing, Miu becomes his friend and later introduces him to her grandfather’s dojo where he can learn from the skilled and strange masters of extreme martial arts.
Kenichi’s desire to become a better fighter is fueled by his constant bullying and an upcoming karate club fight where the loser must quit. Witnessing Miu easily fend off three thugs, Kenichi turns to her for advice and training. However, he soon realizes that his journey to becoming a world-class fighter won’t be easy as he faces the criminal martial arts gang known as “Ragnarok,” who threatens the safety of those around him. With Miu’s promise to help him become stronger, Kenichi takes the first step in his journey to defend the defenseless and become a skilled martial artist.
1. Hajime no Ippo
Hajime no Ippo is a well-known boxing anime that follows the story of Ippo Makunouchi, a teenage boy who helps his mother run a fishing boat rental business while his father is away. In spite of his hard work, Ippo is constantly bullied by his peers due to his timid nature and the smell of the sea that clings to him. One day, after being beaten up by his bullies, he is rescued by Mamoru Takamura, an up-and-coming boxer, who takes him to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym for recovery.
Takamura and the other boxers at the gym are impressed by Ippo’s incredible strength, which he has developed from years of working in his physically demanding family business. With some training under Takamura, Ippo impresses everyone in a practice match against the prodigy boxer Ichirou Miyata. This sparks a rivalry between the two and leads to Ippo gaining a coach in Genji Kamogawa, the gym owner and former boxer.
The anime focuses on Ippo, as he begins his workout and training in his official boxing career, he faces off against a series of challenging opponents, each one stronger than the last. Victory, defeat, and intense training sessions await Ippo as he strives to become a great boxer.
