Keep Moving Forward: Training Through Setbacks

If I’m being honest, I’ve been a little frustrated lately. I’ve had some reoccurring knee pain for a while now, and just when I was finding my groove again, I started having discomfort in my wrist. It’s not the kind of pain that makes me want to quit entirely, but it is enough to mess with my mindset and limit what I can do in the gym.

I think we’ve all been there in some way. Whether it’s a sore back, a cranky shoulder, or a stubborn knee, injuries and aches have a way of making us feel like all our progress is slipping away. The temptation to stop showing up until we’re “completely better” can be strong.

But here’s the thing: waiting until you feel 100% can mean you’re waiting forever.

Over the years, I’ve learned that working around injuries instead of quitting is one of the most important habits you can build for long-term health and fitness. Here’s why:

1. Movement Heals

When you stop moving altogether, your body gets stiff, your muscles weaken, and your mental motivation takes a hit. The right kind of modified training can actually speed up recovery by keeping blood flowing to the injured area and strengthening the supporting muscles.

2. Fitness Isn’t Just One Thing

If my wrist is sore, I can still squat. If my knee is sore, I can still work on pull-ups. Injury forces you to explore parts of your fitness you might not normally focus on, and that can actually make you more well-rounded in the long run.

3. Mindset Is Everything

When you choose to keep showing up, you’re telling yourself that you are committed no matter the obstacle. That discipline and resilience will carry over into every other area of your life, not just the gym.

4. The Community Keeps You Accountable

When you stay connected to your gym crew, even during injury, you keep the habit alive. Plus, encouragement from others is a powerful antidote to frustration.

I’m not saying ignore pain or push through something that needs real rest, far from it. Listen to your body, work with your coach, and make smart modifications. But don’t let a sore joint or nagging injury become an excuse to stop taking care of yourself.

Every time you choose to show up, even when you have to scale, substitute, or take it slower, you’re building a stronger body and a stronger mindset.

So if you’re in a season of injury right now, know this: your fitness journey isn’t over. You’re just learning a new path forward.