003: Why Gym Inductions Matter

In this episode, I break down the often-overlooked importance of gym inductions, especially for neurodivergent individuals and those who feel traditional fitness spaces weren't designed for them. I'm Rhiannon Cooper a personal trainer with a difference.

What You'll Learn:

• Why gym inductions are valuable even when they're optional
• What actually happens during a typical gym induction
• How to prepare for your induction if you're feeling anxious
• Practical tips on what to wear and bring
• Best times to schedule your induction for a more comfortable experience

As someone diagnosed with autism and ADHD at 30, Rhiannon shares her personal journey from feeling out of place in fitness spaces to becoming a qualified personal trainer. She explains how gym inductions can help expand your comfort zone and build confidence in an unfamiliar environment.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannonc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannoncooperpt/ 

Email: rhiannon@notsotypicalfitness.co.uk 

Ever had a panic attack in the gym car park?

You're not alone. Our complete guide to overcoming gym anxiety reveals why gyms feel so overwhelming for anxious people—and shares 7 proven strategies that actually work.

• The 5 real barriers that make gyms intimidating
• Practical strategies for sensory overload & social anxiety
• Word-for-word gym etiquette scripts
• A realistic 4-week confidence-building plan

Read the Complete Guide HERE

Transcript

0:00

today I'm going to talk to you about inductions and gym inductions, because I think that not enough people(Music) I am your host Rhiannon Cooper and I'm a personal trainer with a difference. was late diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was 30. That was about two years ago. And I, at that point in my life was very unhappy, very overweight and my diagnosis changed my life. Now I've created Not So Typical Fitness to support other neurodivergent people or anyone who feels as though I'm not a person. Or anyone who feels as though traditional fitness spaces haven't been designed for you. I know exactly what that feels like because that's me. And even today as a qualified personal trainer, to be honest, I still feel like some gyms are not built for me and that I don't belong. And I know that I do, but it is a constant challenge and that's coming from a personal trainer because I am a qualified personal trainer now. So if I still feel like that, I mean, there's work to be done. There's work to be done to improve the fitness industry. think that's because there isn't really that much information out there about it. Inductions sound scary to and maybe that is because of this link to do with when you start a new job and you have to go for an induction there. Maybe it's to do with that. think I want to kind of break the stigma of this idea that inductions are bad because I am a big advocate for inductions. And the reason I say that I'm a big advocate for inductions, because you might be sitting there thinking, well, you have to have an induction to join a gym. Actually, you don't. Some gyms, they will insist that you have an induction. So I used to go to a private gym and more of a boutiquey gym. That one you have to have an induction. So there was no way I could avoid it. Also, a local leisure centre will often insist that you go for an induction. But if you go to join a bigger chain type gym, so I'm thinking in the UK, this would be JD gyms, pure gym, gym group. Anywhere like that, that is, I always say, let your budget gym. So any budget type gym will most likely, and I can't speak for all of them here, but in my experience, they will not insist on you having an induction. You'll have an option where you can book an induction and it might be recommended, but you don't have to go. Now, I speak from experience here that I would be the type of person that would join a gym and would not want to do an induction because an induction feels scary. An induction feels like you're going to be watched and judged and not what I would want. So I wouldn't want to go for one. I also feel like when you go for an induction, because I did do two inductions. OK, and the reason I'm saying this, the reason this is interesting for me to talk about, I started my fitness journey at the small leisure centre. Then I went to the bigger, more, sorry, then I went to the boutique gym. Now, both of those gyms required me to do an induction, but then I joined a chain and the change in didn't require an induction. It was a option and everything inside my gut was screaming, don't do the induction. But having some knowledge and experience actually of myself, and this is why my diagnosis is important, is because it all links together. So my diagnosis enabled me to work out what I need to do in an environment to feel better and feel more at ease and more comfortable. actually that is being in the environment, but it also is about understanding where things are. Where are the bathrooms? Where are the toilets? Where are the lockers? Where is the fire exit? Where's the first aid kit? Where do I go if I need help? And actually knowing these things for me is really important. And was an interesting time for me when I changed and went from the boutique gym to the change in, because at that point of my of late diagnosis journey, as well as my fitness journey, I was able to advocate for myself more and what I needed. So whereas previously I would have shied away from an induction, this time I was like, I am having an induction because I know that I need to know how to get in. I need to know, do I have to scan a code or do I have a key fob? Or is it fingerprint? I don't know. I want to know what the opening times are or when the door's locked to one way, if it's time for our gym. I want to know if I need to put my car number plate somewhere. I want to be shown and told everything, so I know what to do. that is why I booked my induction. Well, actually I didn't book it because when it's a change gym, sometimes they'll let you just turn which is stressful because I don't like to just turn up. I like to have an appointment. But anyway, I digress. That's why I booked my induction. And that is why I recommend to every single person joining a gym who's maybe never done the gym before, is new to fitness. Even if you are super anxious, please book an induction if you have the option. By booking an induction, you are fundamentally being shown around the gym. That is really what an induction means. More often than not, you're not going to be expected to do any exercise. The people are going to be too busy to do that with you. They might show you how to turn on some equipment for cardio to warm up. They're not going to have time to show you how to do exercises. You would have to book onto a separate session for that or get a personal trainer. an induction is there to show you out. So let me run through an induction I've had. So you'd go in and you'd meet the person, whoever is running the induction, and they will literally give you a tour of the gym. So they will show you where different areas are. So they'll show you where the cardio machines are. They might show you where the freeway area is or where the benches are. an induction would allow you to say, "Oh, that's cool. What's that for?" if you wanted to. But the most important thing is that you now know where that is. So let's say even if you are a more experienced gym goer, but you know that you get anxiety walking around a gym trying to find things, an induction would allow you to ask questions in a safe way. And that person will tell you because that's their job. They will show you where the bathrooms are. They'll show you where the lockers are. You can ask questions like, "Do you need to bring your own lock? Can you buy a lock there? Do you need a coin or a token?" You can ask about cleaning hours. So I know some gyms will shut bathrooms for deep cleaning overnight. You really don't want your car keys to be in the toilet kind of area if that's where the lockers are overnight when you're in the gym because then you can't get home. So you can ask all these questions in a way you can feel like you can ask them because fundamentally that is what an induction is there for, is for you to familiarise yourself with the gym, with the processes at that gym, with the layout. It gives you an opportunity to meet a member of staff so that next time you go you know that you know someone. And for me, and I think for you as well, there's that familiarity that's quite comforting. You already know someone there so you'll probably know their name. They'll know your name. Even if you're not particularly chatty and even if they're not particularly chatty, I can tell you sometimes just doing the nice little head nod when you recognise someone is quite reassuring and comforting. I think that who not to do an induction and you're not experienced at the gym, I feel like you are doing a disservice to yourself they are there to help you get started. to imagine them instead of being called an induction, have them known as a get started session because it pretty much is a tour around a gym so you can see everything. Find out where the studio is, find out how to access onto a class should you want to do a class. If you've got questions about finding a personal trainer, you can ask them there. Have they got any way you can look at personal trainer information? It's basically a guided tour with somebody knows the gym, who knows what goes on where. And honestly, knowing your way around the gym will make a huge difference when you then come to go to the gym that next time and the time after. I'm a huge believer that the more time you spend somewhere, the more comfortable it can become. And your comfort zone is like this. If your comfort zone is a circle or a bubble around you we just stay in a safe bubble, we're never actually developing our comfort zone. So what we need to do is these small actions, these little kind of experiences where we can flex out this comfort zone and that flexing over time actually stretches it out. So if you think you go for an induction, well, you've already gone to the gym once when you then come to go to the gym for the first time. And it's almost a little bit of tricking your mind into feeling confident in an area. And that's why I think you should do an induction. If you're feeling nervous, my advice would be out to your gym first before your induction. And actually reach out to them. This could be by message. It could be a phone call. It could be an email. And you could say you're feeling a bit anxious and you're coming along to this induction. Could they run you through what to expect? And I'm sure that someone will be able to reply to you and say it's basically a tour of the gym. And that's probably it. If it is more than that, they would have to tell you because you'd need to be wearing gym clothes. You can do a gym induction in my opinion. And I would probably check this if it's not a chain gym. But you can have a tour of the gym in any clothes. You don't you could come straight from work and be in business where and have a tour of the gym. If you're feeling nervous in advance of an induction, you can reach out to the gym. You can ask them the questions. What to expect? How many people are going to be there? Do you need to bring anything? There are three questions that I would ask when I booked my induction at the chain gym. It was less informal than the other two because the other two insist you need an induction. So it's a lot more book a session and someone will meet you. Fill out paperwork. Whereas with the change in, you do all of your paperwork online first. So actually, they don't really need to meet you. So with that in mind, it's a bit less formal than the other gyms I've been to where. So what that will mean is it might be a group session. It might be where you just turn up at that time and say you're here for an induction and someone will come out and give you a tour. It might be less formal. That is absolutely fine. be prepared for that if it is a chain gym. But you can always reach out and ask What to expect your gym induction? Do you need to book on to the gym induction and how many people are in attendance? And do you need to bring anything? are your four questions to ask if you are feeling nervous. Otherwise, you can just go to the induction and a worst case scenario, you get a tour of the gym, you feel a bit uncomfortable, you don't really talk and then you leave. But like I said before, the biggest advantage here is that then when you want to go to the gym, you've already been once. So it's not as scary. And when you go the second time, you've already been twice because you have that induction. So it is just about building that comfort. Now, if you don't ask what you need to take and what you need to wear, I would say the safe things would be comfortable clothing that you could exercise in. I doubt you'll need to. But what you might find is after induction that you might want to do some exercise. You might actually feel more comfortable than just to go and get on treadmill or a static bike and just do something and spend more time in the area. Because again, that's how you build your comfort. If you do that, take a drink, take a bottle of water. There is nothing worse than not having a drink and needing one. And if you're feeling anxious, definitely take a drink with you. Although I'm sure most gyms have vending machines and water fountains. So, yeah, don't panic. you're going to become a gym goer, just always keep an empty bottle in the car to fill up. That is my tip for today. comes to shoes, just trainers. If you're not an experienced gym goer, you're not going to be expected to have the top brand new swanky pair of Nike's. And that's fine. If you do, great. Well done you. Like go with it. But it doesn't matter. Just wear comfortable trainers that are supportive and that you can move in. That's the key. You don't want to be wearing work boots or heels or like You do see people wearing crocs. But what I will say, if you drop a weight on your foot wearing crocs, it is going to really, really hurt. I just wouldn't do it. And I live in crocs everywhere else. So, yeah, don't do it. Don't wear sliders. Don't wear flip flops. Just wear trainers. Trainers are fine. it comes to clothing, again, wear comfortable clothing that you can move your body in. They don't have to be expensive brands or kind of and color coordinated stuff. Literally just wear a baggy top and leggings or wear trackies and a t-shirt. Like, comfort is key, honestly. And nobody actually cares what you look like. Honestly, nobody cares. I think as long as you are sensible clothes, you know, quote, unquote sensible, you're going to be absolutely fine. And I'm going to be honest, I wear super bright clothes to the gym and I don't think anybody cares. And people can wear all black to the gym. I don't think anybody cares. I think people are so invested in themselves at the gym won't notice you and what you're wearing. So have that in your mind. Headphones are good. Maybe earplugs if you want to block out noise but still be able to hear the person giving an induction. if you can book an induction during a quiet time. So I had my induction at 8pm at JD Gyms and it was heaving because that is when Zumba finishes. And I was like, oh my God, there was a million people trying to leave the gym at the time I was trying to get in and it was busy and overwhelming. And I was mortified. It was really quite intense. But if I had managed to get onto an induction earlier on in the day, or maybe on a different day of the week, I think I did it on a Tuesday, that would help too. So quietest days are towards the end of the week or the weekends for sure. Quiet times I would say are during the day, like during the work day. Busiest times are going to be in the morning between like 7pm and 8pm, maybe 6pm and 8pm. I hate the morning so that just me feel a bit sick when I talk about 6am. also the evenings, so I'd say 5 to 8 a peak time at a gym. So avoid those if you don't like busyness and you just want to have a slightly more relaxed induction maybe. But bear in mind gyms are going to be busy of the time. It is just the nature of fitness. People will go when they have time. It might be in a lunch break, it might be after the school run. It might be in the middle of the night. So it will never be empty unless you do go somewhere smaller and more private maybe, more rural. So do be prepared for people to be around. But you are going to be fine. An induction is there for you to go and experience what the gym is like. You will be fine. the main things really. What to wear, what to take, drink. Most gyms these days do require a padlock if you are going to use a locker. If you don't want the stress of that then don't take much in. Have pockets in the clothing that you wear and carry your bottle. You will be absolutely fine. really you need to take for an induction. Yourself. Yourself. Sensible clothing. Comfortable shoes. A water bottle. Headphones. If you want to be doing any exercise. If you want the choice. Anyway. But I do think if you have the chance to book an induction you should because they are important. So just a reminder. I am a qualified personal trainer. I am starting a new role this week at JD gyms back in the place I had that induction. So what a full circle moment. And probably will be working when Zumba is on. But it's very different now because I have built my confidence in the gym and you can build your confidence in the gym too. if you are wanting to start a fitness journey and you have no idea what to do and how to do it. I am going to give you weekly and tricks and things that you can do that will make your journey as smooth as possible and help you your health in just a way that works for you. Fitness be about fitting in and good. Fitness me is about finding strength in who you are. And that's what I'm here to help you do. If are in the Wolverhampton area and would like some in-person sessions with me either at my base gym elsewhere please reach out because I do have some spaces available from mid April. And that is the same for anyone further away who's interested in online coaching as well. Send me an email or connect with me on socials. I also provide loads of freebies and information and things just to help you get started on your journey. So drop me a follow. Please rate this podcast if you like it because it will help more people get it. And all I want to do is encourage more people to move their body in ways that work for them. And I want to help people feel healthier and better in themselves. importantly, I want people who are like me two years ago to know that they are not alone, even if they feel it. That even when the world is not designed for someone like you, do deserve to take up space. And I will shout back from the rooftops if given half a chance. You do deserve to take up space. You do deserve to be healthy. You do deserve to go to the gym. And I will be in your corner supporting you cheerleading you all the way. rate, review, follow, comment, subscribe, reach out, all of the good stuff and look out for next week for the next drop. That'll be episode number four. How has it been a month already? I do not know. will chat to you soon. Bye.