Training with Pain: Move Through It, Not Away From It

Pain sucks. There’s no sugar-coating that. Whether it’s the nagging ache in your knees, the stiffness in your back, or the discomfort that comes from pushing your limits, pain can feel like the ultimate roadblock. It messes with your motivation, makes you second-guess yourself, and sometimes makes you want to quit before you even start. But here’s the truth: movement is one of the best things you can do for your body, even when it hurts.

At EMPOWERHOUSE Gym, we believe in movement for all—no matter your current status. We’ve seen it time and time again: members who thought pain would keep them sidelined realize that training is part of the solution, not the problem. Our bodies are built to move, and staying active (in the right ways) can actually help reduce pain and improve function.

Now, let’s get one thing straight—there’s a difference between training with pain and training with discomfort. Discomfort is that burning sensation in your muscles when you’re pushing through the last few reps. Pain is sharp, persistent, or limiting. Knowing the difference is crucial. If it’s discomfort, you lean in. If it’s pain, you adapt. You modify. You find a way to move that works for you. And if something is constantly hurting, don’t just push through—get it checked out by a professional.

Many of our members have been surprised to find that movements they have done in physical therapy look a whole lot like the exercises we program in the gym. That’s the point. We focus on functional, all-around fitness—training that helps you move better in everyday life. Squats, lunges, step-ups, mobility drills—they’re not just for rehab; they’re for life. If you’ve ever been told by a PT to strengthen certain muscles or improve mobility, odds are, we’ve got those same movements built into your workouts.

Personally, I’ve trained with knee pain for years. Has it been frustrating? Absolutely. Has it stopped me? Not a chance. Because what I’ve learned—what I teach our members—is that movement is medicine. It doesn’t mean ignoring pain; it means working with it, finding ways to stay strong, and understanding that obstacles aren’t roadblocks, they’re the way forward. My coach Darius says it best: “The obstacle is the way.” And I pass that mantra on every chance I get.

The key is knowing your body, listening to it, and respecting it enough to move in ways that support your long-term health. The reality is, doing nothing doesn’t make pain go away—it often makes it worse. So, if pain has been holding you back, let’s find a way forward together. EMPOWERHOUSE Gym is an inclusive, supportive space where you can build strength, confidence, and resilience—no matter where you’re starting from.

Pain might be part of the journey, but it doesn’t get to decide your destination. Keep moving. We’ve got you.