Hoda Kotb Reveals Her Shocking Motivation Behind Weightlifting: “It Wasn’t About Strength or Fitness—It Was About Being Strong Enough to Lift My Kids, Hope and Haley”.

Hoda Kotb Reveals Her Shocking Motivation Behind Weightlifting

Hoda Kotb, beloved co-anchor of Today, is a woman known for her infectious energy, warmth, and unwavering commitment to family. But in a candid revelation that took fans by surprise, Hoda recently shared the deeply personal reason behind her weightlifting journey—a journey that, for her, had nothing to do with the typical motivations of strength or fitness. No, Hoda’s journey was driven by one singular, heartfelt goal: to be strong enough to pick up her daughters, Hope, age 6, and Haley, who is just a toddler.

In an exclusive interview, Hoda opened up about how motherhood changed her perspective on strength and why lifting weights became her unexpected but essential path to self-empowerment. She revealed how every weight lifted, every rep completed, was done with her kids in mind. For Hoda, the goal wasn’t about fitting into a particular body image or adhering to societal standards—it was about being the best mother she could be, physically and emotionally.

The Heartfelt Revelation

“I realized one day that I was struggling to do something I used to do without thinking,” Hoda confessed, her voice soft but filled with emotion. “Lifting Hope up after a long day, carrying Haley around, all of that became harder than I ever imagined. And that’s when I knew—I needed to do something about it.”

For many parents, lifting their children is a simple, routine act. But for Hoda, it became a symbol of everything she wanted to give her kids: strength, stability, and the energy to keep up with their fast-paced lives. Her quest wasn’t about competing in weightlifting competitions or even about transforming her body—it was about securing the physical power to lift up her children when they needed her most.

“It’s not just about being able to pick them up. It’s about showing them that strength is more than muscle. It’s about resilience, it’s about persistence, and it’s about love,” Hoda explained, her eyes filled with a rare mixture of vulnerability and pride.

A New Chapter in Hoda’s Life

Since beginning her weightlifting routine, Hoda has shared glimpses of her workouts on social media, offering fans an intimate look into her dedication to this new chapter of her life. In a world where social media often pressures individuals to achieve a certain body type or appearance, Hoda’s posts have been a refreshing departure from the typical fitness influencer narrative.

“I don’t need to look like a superhero to feel like one. My power comes from being strong enough to handle the challenges of motherhood and still be present for my kids,” Hoda said, making it clear that her fitness journey was more about emotional resilience than physical transformation.

The mother of two admitted that the physical changes she has seen in her body—such as increased stamina and improved posture—are just the icing on the cake. But it is the emotional rewards, the quiet satisfaction of being able to hold Hope and Haley without hesitation, that have truly made the effort worthwhile.

Breaking Free from the Pressure to Be Perfect

Hoda has always been transparent about her personal struggles, from her battle with cancer to the challenges she faced as a working mom in the public eye. But this new chapter has brought a new sense of empowerment that, she says, was long overdue. In a world where people often feel the need to achieve a specific standard of beauty, Hoda has chosen to embrace her strength in the most raw and genuine way possible.

“My strength isn’t about achieving a certain look or fitting into society’s idea of what it means to be strong,” Hoda said. “It’s about feeling like myself and being able to do the things that matter most—like picking up my daughters when they need me.”

Fans have rallied behind Hoda, sharing messages of support and admiration. Many have praised her for using her platform to normalize strength in its many forms, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their own unique journeys toward empowerment.

A Message to Other Moms

In addition to her weightlifting routine, Hoda has become an outspoken advocate for self-care, especially for mothers. She shared that the demands of motherhood often lead many women to neglect their own needs, but she is determined to change that narrative.

“Sometimes, as moms, we put ourselves last. We give everything we have to our kids, our families, our work. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. I needed to fill my cup first, so I could be the best version of myself for them,” Hoda reflected.

Her words resonate deeply with mothers everywhere, especially those who struggle to balance their personal well-being with their responsibilities at home. Hoda’s journey is a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential for being able to show up for the ones we love.

Hoda’s Future Goals

While Hoda has already achieved her primary goal of being physically strong for her children, she’s not stopping there. In fact, she’s setting her sights on new challenges, both inside and outside the gym. Hoda revealed that she plans to continue her weightlifting routine, not just for the physical benefits, but for the sense of accomplishment and mental clarity it provides.

“I’ve realized that lifting weights has become more than just a workout. It’s my therapy, my time to reset, and my reminder that strength is built over time, both physically and emotionally,” she said.

As for the future, Hoda plans to continue breaking barriers and setting new goals. “I’ll keep lifting, not just for me, but for them. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to teach Hope and Haley about the power of strength—inside and out.”

A Final Word on Strength

In a world that often focuses on superficial ideals of beauty and fitness, Hoda Kotb’s journey is a poignant reminder that true strength is measured not by what we see in the mirror, but by what we are capable of doing for the ones we love. For Hoda, weightlifting is more than just a workout—it’s an act of love, an investment in her ability to be there for her children in the most meaningful way possible.

As she continues to build strength in the gym, Hoda also builds an even greater sense of resilience, one that will no doubt carry her through the challenges of motherhood, and beyond.