Training with a dodgy back, knees or shoulders: What’s actually safe?

Neven Antic • April 13, 2026

“I’d love to train, but my back/knees/shoulders are stuffed.”



We hear this every week from Adelaide adults.


The problem isn’t usually that you “can’t” train. It’s that you’ve only seen training done in a way that doesn’t work for your body.

Pain doesn’t mean you have to stop forever

Common stories we hear:

  • Old footy or netball injuries
  • Tradesperson backs from years on the tools
  • Shoulder issues from desk work or past training



Most of these people can train safely in the right strength training classes in Adelaide when:

  • Exercises are chosen carefully
  • Technique is coached well
  • Progression is sensible, not rushed

The difference between good pain and bad pain

Three people doing dumbbell wall sits against a tan wall, indoors.

We coach members to understand:

  • Muscle effort: burning or working hard is normal
  • Joint pain: sharp, catching, or grinding is a red flag
  • Aftereffects: a bit of soreness is ok; flareups or limping for days is not

If an exercise consistently spikes joint pain, we change it.


How we adjust training around your body

Inside Adult Group Strength, our adult strength training in Adelaide, we:

  • Ask about injuries and history in your assessment
  • Choose variations that suit your current capacity (e.g. box squats instead of deep squats; trapbar deadlifts instead of conventional)
  • Use slow progressions so joints adapt
  • Communicate with you every session about how things feel



The goal is to build tolerance, not avoid every movement forever.


Why going it alone is risky

Without coaching, it’s easy to:

  • Copy exercises that aren’t appropriate for you
  • Add too much weight too quickly
  • Push through the wrong kind of pain



That’s how little niggles become big ones.


Want a plan that respects your injuries?

Three people doing dumbbell wall sits against a tan wall, indoors.

If you’ve been avoiding training because of a back, knee or shoulder issue:


Book a Strong Start call.


We’ll go through your injury history, explain how we adjust programs, and see whether the 21Day Strong Start or a direct Adult membership is the best way to get you moving again safely.


More Posts

By Neven Antic • October 8, 2026
Never liked exercise? See the 4-step approach D8 uses to help Adelaide adults build strength without needing to love the gym first.
By Neven Antic • October 1, 2026
See the 10 questions Adelaide parents should ask before enrolling their child in a gym, and how D8's JuniorGym Academy answers each one.
By Neven Antic • September 24, 2026
Compare strength training to Pilates, yoga and bootcamps for Adelaide adults 35+, and see why strength training is the foundation of lasting results.
By Neven Antic • September 17, 2026
Help your non-sporty teen gain confidence with strength training at JuniorGym Academy. Book a session today!
By Neven Antic • September 10, 2026
Learn to balance your multisport teen's training load to prevent burnout. Book an Athlete Assessment for tailored strength training today!
By Neven Antic • September 3, 2026
Learn how couples can train together successfully at D8. Book a Strong Start fit/gameplan call for personalized training plans!
More Posts

Need Help With Your Fitness or Health?

If you are stuck with your fitness or health and want to change that, then reach out to see if our 21Day KickStarter would be a good fit for you. We have helped 100's of clients improve their health and fitness and would love to find out more about your unique needs.

21-Day Kickstarter