FAQs
Your Burning Questions Answered
Everything You Might Want to Know Before Getting Started at Empower
Getting Started
Am I fit enough to get started?
Absolutely. You do not need to be “in shape” to begin — that’s our job. Whether you’re brand new to exercise or returning after time away, our coaches meet you exactly where you are. Every workout is adapted to your current ability so you can build strength, confidence, and momentum safely.
I am already pretty fit, can Empower help me?
Yes. We work with people across the entire fitness spectrum — from beginners to experienced athletes, including competitive and professional athletes. If you’re already active, we’ll challenge you with thoughtful programming that builds strength, resilience, and performance without burning you out.
What if I've never been to a gym before?
You’re in the right place. Many of our members started with little or no gym experience. We guide you through every movement, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable before progressing. There’s no pressure to “keep up” — progress happens at your pace.
Safety, Injuries & Confidence
What if I have injuries, joint pain, or physical limitations?
This is one of our specialties. Our coaches are experienced in modifying movements for injuries, chronic pain, or mobility limitations. Many members are surprised to find that aches and pains improve as they build strength and move more confidently. Your program is always tailored to your body and your needs.
Is it safe?
Yes! There is a lot of hype on the internet about intensity and amazing videos celebrating the superhuman feats of athleticism performed by the top 0.01% but at Empower our focus is training everyday people like you and me. Your coach will tailor your training to your fitness level. You will be performing exercises and workouts appropriate to your level of fitness. We’re not saying that you won’t one day be performing superhuman feats of athleticism on YouTube but that is certainly not where you are going to start! You are going to start with the basics and we’ll progress from there as appropriate to your strength, skill and desire.
Coaching & Programs
How do I get started?
The best way to assess how to start is to come in for a free no sweat intro session with one of our coaches to discuss your goals. Your coach will help you decide which training option will best fit your current needs.
What does a typical class look like?
Classes are structured, coach-led, and supportive. You’ll start with a warm-up, learn or review movements, and complete a workout designed to be effective and scalable. Coaches provide guidance throughout, so you’re never guessing what to do.
How many people are in each class?
It depends on what type of program you sign up for. We offer 1-to-1 coaching, small group personal training (of up to 4 people), specialized training programs, and CrossFit group classes. Generally, however, we tend to max out at 12 people to -- and most classes are even smaller than that. We intentionally keep class sizes smaller so coaches can give individual attention, ensure safety, and make sure you’re moving well.
Am I too old to start training?
It is never too late to start. We have members of all ages. If you’re 80 we will help you feel like you are 60 again. If you’re 60 we’ll help you feel 40. And our lucky 40 year-olds get to feel like they are once again in their 20’s! whatever mileage you’ve put on your body, young at heart is what matters at Empower.
Families & Youth
Do you offer programs for kids or teens?
Yes. We offer youth fitness programs designed to help kids and teens build strength, confidence, and coordination in a safe, supportive environment. Our programs are age-appropriate, fun, and led by experienced coaches who understand how young bodies develop.
We offer group classes for different age ranges, including Junior Varsity (ages 8–12) and Varsity (ages 13–17), as well as Homeschool PE and youth personal training. All programs focus on proper movement, injury prevention, and building confidence — not pushing kids beyond their limits.
Whether your child is new to fitness, plays competitive sports, or just wants to move more, we help them develop strong habits that support lifelong health and performance.
Can families train at the same gym?
Absolutely. Many of our members are parents who train, and their kids participate in youth programs. We also have families of parents and young adults who train together. Empower is built to support fitness across all ages and generations.
Results, Expectations & Commitment
How long does it take to see results?
Many people start feeling better — more energy, better mood, improved strength and endurance— within a few weeks. Progress looks different for everyone, but consistency always pays off.
What kind of results can I expect?
Results at Empower are never left to chance — they’re measured, tracked, and built intentionally over time. Whether your goal is to get stronger, move better, reduce pain, or feel more confident in your body, we focus on progress you can see and feel — and measure!
If you’re working with a personal training coach, your progress is tracked through regular assessments, movement reviews, and performance benchmarks. This allows your coach to adjust your program as you improve and ensure you’re progressing safely and effectively. In group classes, you’ll learn how to track key metrics yourself so you can clearly see how your strength, endurance, and movement quality improve over time.
We believe in measurable progress, not guesswork.
With all that said, members commonly report:
- Increased strength and mobility
- Less joint pain and stiffness
- Improved confidence and energy
- Better daily movement and resilience
Our goal isn’t quick fixes — it’s long-term, sustainable health.
Location & Community
Where are you located?
Empower is conveniently located in West Point Grey at 2083 Alma Street, at the corner of Alma and 5th Avenue. We’re easy to reach by transit and offer plenty of free parking nearby, making it simple to fit training into your day.
Our gym is bright, welcoming, and fully equipped, with large windows on all sides that fill the space with natural light — even on Vancouver’s rainiest days. The environment is calm, open, and energizing, designed to make you feel comfortable the moment you walk in.
We also take advantage of our incredible surroundings. Many of our personal training sessions incorporate the outdoors, using Jericho Beach, 8th Avenue hill routes, and the Jericho Village loop for running, conditioning, and loaded carries. It’s one of the many ways we make training effective, engaging, and uniquely connected to our neighbourhood.
What makes Empower different from other gyms?
Gosh, where do we start?! What sets Empower apart is the combination of exceptional coaching, a supportive community, and deep experience working with adults and families at every stage of life. We specialize in working with adults over 40, people returning to fitness after time away, and those managing past injuries or movement limitations.
Many of our members come to us after trying larger group fitness studios where the pace was too fast or the coaching too generalized. At Empower, we slow things down when needed, prioritize quality movement, and build progress intelligently over time.
Our community is another major difference. You won’t find competition or pressure here — just supportive coaches and members who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Families train here. Beginners train here. Experienced athletes train here. Everyone belongs.
Ready to Get Started?
The best next step is to book a free consultation with one of our coaches.
We’ll talk about your goals, answer your questions, and help you choose the right path forward — no pressure, no obligation.
Book your free no sweat intro today.
TESTIMONIALS
What our members say about Empower
"Life changing"
"I started going to Empower Fitness about 8 months ago and it has been life-changing! I have never been a very sporty person, but thanks to the personal training sessions I feel stronger and healthier than ever before. The coaches are very experienced and knowledgeable and can adapt all exercises to your abilities and goals.
Personal training works better for me with my schedule, but from what I have seen the group classes are fun and it feels like a community where everyone knows and supports each other."
- Tarik O.
"Sustainable approach to fitness"
"The coaches are very personable, knowledgeable, and bend over backward to accommodate each member’s needs and abilities.
The WOD programming is a hybrid between CrossFit and Original Strength, with rucking and even a little martial arts thrown in occasionally.
The Alma location is great for longer runs along Jericho Beach, hill work up 8th, or 400m loops around Jericho Village.
You can tell a lot about a gym by its members. From what I experienced, Empower is filled with middle-aged people who are at varying levels of fitness but all working to improve. There are also a bunch of seriously fit master athletes—a testament to the sustainable approach to fitness."
- Vincent M.
"The coaches are incredible"
"Highly recommend Empower for anybody wanting to either start their CrossFit journey or continue it. The coaches are incredible, even in a full class they will spot incorrect form or technique. It's the most welcoming gym I've ever been apart of and the best investment you'll ever make in yourself. The schedule of classes is excellent and no matter your progression, a movement can always be scaled by the coaches for you. I can't sing Empower's praises enough so try it for yourself!"
- Ciara C.
Empower
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