fitness for adults over 40 in Vancouver

Not Sure Where to Start This Year? Here’s How to Find the Right Fitness Path for You

December 30, 20257 min read

A new year has a way of making us pause and take stock — especially when it comes to our health and fitness.

Maybe you’re over 40 and thinking, “I want to feel stronger again, but I’m not sure where to start.”

Maybe you’ve stayed active for years, but what used to work for you doesn’t feel quite right anymore.

Or maybe you’re simply ready to take better care of yourself and want a plan that actually fits your life.

If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

At Empower, we work with adults of all ages — many in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond — who want to move better, feel stronger, and stay healthy for the long run. Some are brand new to fitness. Others have trained for years and are looking for a smarter, more sustainable approach.

The good news? There’s no one “right” way to start.

The best path forward is the one that fits your body, your goals, and your lifestyle right now.

Below, we’ve outlined a few common starting points to help you find the option that makes the most sense for where you are today — whether you’re getting back into exercise, training with purpose, or simply looking to feel better in your body again.


✅ If You’re New to Fitness (or Starting Over)

Maybe it’s been years since you last exercised consistently. Maybe you’ve tried programs before and didn’t stick with them. Or maybe you’re worried about getting injured or doing things “wrong.”

You’re not alone — and you don’t need to jump into anything extreme.

Our beginner-focused programs are designed to:

  • Build confidence gradually

  • Teach proper movement and technique

  • Help you feel comfortable and supported from day one

You don’t need to be fit to start. You just need a place that meets you where you are.

If you're in this boat, you should look at:

Fast Track to Fitness

If you want a clear, supportive way to get started, Fast Track to Fitness is designed exactly for that. You’ll learn the basics at a comfortable pace, build confidence in your movement, and develop a solid foundation — all with coaching and guidance every step of the way. It’s a great option if you want structure without pressure.

Limited time offer! Register now and you can bring a friend — at no extra cost.

Personal Training

If you’d rather start one-on-one, personal training gives you fully customized support from day one. We’ll tailor your sessions around your goals, schedule, and any injuries or concerns, so you can move safely, build confidence, and progress at a pace that feels right for you.

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✅ If You Want Consistency and Accountability

Some people don’t struggle with motivation — they struggle with consistency.

If you have a hard time sticking to a fitness routine, personal training or structured group training can make all the difference. Having a coach, a schedule, and a community expecting you changes everything.

Personal training and group training offers:

  • Built-in accountability

  • A clear weekly rhythm

  • Encouragement from coaches and fellow members

It takes the thinking out of fitness so you can focus on showing up.

If this sounds like you, you should consider:

CrossFit Group Classes

If you thrive on structure and energy, CrossFit group classes provide built-in accountability and momentum. You’ll train alongside people who keep you motivated. The coaching, structure, and community take the guesswork out of fitness — all you have to do is show up and put in the work.

Personal Training

If you want consistency with more individualized attention, personal training offers structure without pressure. Your coach helps you stay on track, adjusts your plan as needed, and keeps you accountable week to week. It’s a great option if you want guidance, flexibility, and steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Small Group Training

Small group training is perfect if you want the accountability and energy of a group of up to four people, with a bit more personal attention. Train alongside friends, family members, or a small group of like-minded people while still getting coaching tailored to your needs.

best gym for over 40s in Vancouver

✅ If You’re Training for Something Specific

Maybe you’re preparing for a competition, a race, or a personal challenge. Or maybe you just want your training to be more targeted and efficient.

With more individualized programming and coaching, you can:

  • Train with a clear goal in mind

  • Reduce guesswork

  • Build confidence knowing your plan supports what you’re working toward

This is ideal for people who have a specific goal in mind for their training—such as staying healthy in combat sports or racing in Hyrox.

Engine Build

Engine Build is designed for anyone looking to improve their conditioning, stamina, and overall work capacity. Whether you’re training for Hyrox, endurance events, or simply want to feel stronger and more capable in everyday workouts, this program helps you build a powerful aerobic engine through intentional, progressive training.

Limited time offer! Register for January and February, get March for free!

Fight Fit

Fight Fit with Coach Leon is ideal for anyone involved in combat sports — or anyone who wants to train with that same level of intensity and purpose. Sessions focus on strength, conditioning, and durability to support performance in boxing, MMA, jiu-jitsu, or other combat disciplines, while also reducing the risk of injury and burnout.

Rowing Clinic

The Rowing Clinic with Coach Paul is perfect for athletes who want to improve technique, efficiency, and confidence on the rower. With focused coaching and skill development, you’ll learn how to row more powerfully and efficiently — whether your goal is better conditioning, improved race times, or simply feeling more confident during workouts.

Lift Lab

Lift Lab is designed for athletes who want to fine-tune their lifting technique — without needing to book a one-to-one session, or even come into the gym! Through detailed video analysis, you’ll receive personalized coaching on your lifts, including clear feedback, cues, and drills to help you move more efficiently and reduce injury risk.

best gym for over 40s in Vancouver

✅ If You Want to Improve Your Nutrition — and Track Your Progress

For many people, progress stalls not because of training, but because of nutrition.

Nutrition coaching can help you:

  • Build sustainable eating habits

  • Support energy, recovery, and performance

  • Lose fat or improve body composition without extremes

This isn’t about restriction or perfection — it’s about learning what works for your body and lifestyle.

Nutrition Coaching with Coach Amy

Nutrition coaching with Coach Amy is designed to help you build habits that actually fit your life. Instead of rigid rules or short-term fixes, you’ll learn how to fuel your body in a way that supports your training, energy levels, and long-term health.

Body Composition Scans

Sometimes the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. Body composition scans give you a clearer picture of muscle mass, fat mass, and changes over time

They’re a powerful tool for understanding where you’re starting and how your efforts are paying off — especially when paired with consistent training and nutrition.

best gym for over 40s in Vancouver


✅ If You’re Looking for Programs for Your Kids or Teens

Healthy habits start early.

Our youth programs focus on:

  • Building confidence and coordination

  • Developing strength and movement skills

  • Creating positive associations with exercise

  • Fostering leadership and building a healthy youth community

Whether your child is homeschooled, in traditional school, or just needs a positive outlet, these programs help set the foundation for a lifetime of health.

Varsity

Varsity is designed for teens who are ready to build strength, confidence, and athletic ability in a supportive environment. With age-appropriate coaching and a focus on proper movement, this program helps teens develop coordination, resilience, and a strong foundation for lifelong fitness — whether they play sports or simply want to move better and feel stronger.

Junior Varsity

Junior Varsity introduces younger athletes to movement, strength, and fitness in a fun and engaging way. Classes focus on building coordination, body awareness, and confidence while encouraging teamwork and a positive relationship with exercise.

Homeschool PE

Homeschool PE provides a structured, social, and active environment for homeschool students to move, learn, and connect. Classes focus on developing fundamental movement skills, physical literacy, and teamwork — all while giving kids a chance to build friendships and enjoy being active together during the school day.

Youth Personal Training

Youth personal training offers one-on-one coaching for kids or teens who benefit from more individualized attention. Whether your child is building confidence, learning foundational movement skills, or working toward a specific sport or goal, this option provides a safe, supportive environment tailored to their needs.

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There’s No “Right” Way to Start — Only the Right Next Step

Everyone comes in with different goals, experiences, and challenges. That’s why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.

If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s okay — it’s exactly what we’re here for.

Book a Free No Sweat Intro, and we’ll help you find the right starting point for you.

Your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

It just needs to start.

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