This thesis investigates the impact of data physicalizations in the form of an exercise data tracker, on user motivation compared to traditional exercise tracking devices (ETDs) to and their effect on exercise motivation. By employing a case study with diverse participants, this research evaluates whether the three-dimensional nature of data physicalizations significantly influences user motivation or if similar results can be obtained using traditional solutions or devices. Through a pre-interview Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, qualitative interviews, and thematic analysis, six significant themes emerged, presence, emotional connection, data clarity, metric variety, aesthetics, and novelty. The results suggest that data physicalizations have the potential to motivate users, but are currently at a disadvantage compared to traditional ETDs due to limitations in data precision and variety. The study also highlighted the design challenges in developing effective data physicalizations. Future research should explore design features highlighted in this study that could potentially maximize motivation.