By: Katie Gabel-Patterson
Returning to the gym post-injury or health challenge can be tough, but the support of a community can transform an intimidating recovery into an empowering journey. We spoke with several Targhee Athletics members who have a wide range of experiences with this scenario. Their stories highlight not only the physical benefits of returning to exercise, but also the psychological hurdles, the importance of communication, and practical tips for making a safe and effective comeback.
For many, the initial decision to join a gym can be intimidating, especially when dealing with an ongoing health issue that’s already present. Terri Nelson, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) nearly a decade ago, joined at the encouragement of Targhee Athletics coach, Tracey-Mae Hall. Initially uncertain about her ability to keep up, she quickly realized that the gym offered more than just fitness—it was a stress reliever and a place to rebuild her health. Similarly, Mark Griese, who came to the gym after seeing an ad in the paper, and at the encouragement of his partner, had never been in a formal strength-training environment. Mark experienced a significant car accident as a young adult, and then more recently had hip surgery. Both Terri and Mark came to TA as relatively new to the ‘gym scene’, but now you’ll see them in classes regularly. Their stories are proof that you can start anytime, with any health history.
Avery Beyer, like Mark, also heard about Targhee Athletics from an ad. He grew up playing team sports, so was familiar with a gym setting, and looking to jump right in. Avery’s motivation for TA is largely due to his career in the Forest Services that requires significant cardio and strength. Avery deals with a long-term meniscus injury, which can necessitate modifications. However, he says that coming to the gym and doing what he can, when he can allows him to continue maintaining strength and fitness, which is integral to his day-to-day job.
All three of these TA members have been coming for years, and their experiences highlight the important role the gym has played not only for their physical health, but for their mental state as well. Building the mind can take time, and can be part of the return journey.
One of the most common challenges when returning to the gym after an injury is the mental aspect. Mark Griese describes his return post-surgery as “very psychological,” with feelings of intimidation and fear of re-injury. This is a common experience: it's tough to enjoy group classes when you feel like you're being scrutinized or unable to keep up. However, it’s important to remind yourself that people are focused on their own journey and are likely viewing you with support and empathy, not judgment. As members like Avery and Heidi Johnson, who came back to the gym following wrist surgery shared, learning to give yourself grace and accepting that it’s okay to not be where you were before is a vital part of the process. This side of injury recovery is perhaps discussed less, because people put a lot of pressure on themselves to ‘get back’ to where they were. The hard reality is that you may never be the same athlete you were. Acceptance of change and adjusting to your new normal is key, and something that coaches can help with. It’s much more important to simply continue showing up. As Josh says - ‘tiny wins’.
Communicating with Coaches: Help Us Help You!
Another takeaway from these stories is the importance of communication with coaches. Whether you're modifying exercises or seeking advice on how to ease back into a consistent exercise routine, collaborating with a coach will provide the guidance and encouragement needed for a successful recovery. Lila Satterfield emphasizes that communication with coaches is “a two-way street,” where both the member and the coach actively contribute to finding the right solutions. Mark agrees, noting that while he often creates his own modifications, coaches are still a valuable resource to ensure his workouts are both challenging and safe. Coaches are there for you to utilize as a resource all the time, but especially during periods of recovery. We’re ready to help!
One of the most important pieces of returning to the gym is learning how to modify exercises to fit your current abilities. Heidi Johnson notes that the more consistently you attend classes, the better you’ll understand how your injury affects your body, helping you develop a more intuitive approach to modifications. Even with an injury, showing up regularly can lead to long-term progress. Mark Griese agrees, noting that he’s experienced more mobility and strength coming five days a week, rather than two or three. For him, this daily movement, regardless of what it looks like, has made an impact and given him routine and structure. As the physical therapists say, “Motion is Lotion”.
Below are four specific strategies for making this process smoother:
Despite the challenges of returning to exercise after an injury, every member emphasized the significant positive impact the gym has had on their physical and mental well-being. For Terri, the gym helped her manage her MS symptoms and regain her confidence. For Mark and Avery, it gave them a sense of routine and connection, which was vital to their recovery. The gym is not just about regaining strength; it’s about fostering a mindset of longevity and self-compassion. Remind yourself that something is always better than nothing: Consistent, small amounts of activity make a big difference in your recovery.
Special thanks to Terri Nelson, Mark Griese, Avery Beyer, Heidi Johnson, and Lila Satterfield for sharing their stories.
At Targhee Athletics, we believe in empowering individuals to achieve their best—whether you're stepping into a gym for the first time or you're a seasoned athlete looking to push your limits.
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