the not so typical fitness podcast
Welcome to not so typical fitness, the podcast that breaks down barriers in health and fitness for neurodivergent minds. Hosted by Rhiannon Cooper; a qualified AuDHD (autistic ADHD) personal trainer, advocate, and lifelong misfit in the fitness industry, this solo podcast dives deep into the realities of navigating fitness as a late diagnosed autistic and ADHD woman.
From personal struggles to industry insights, Rhiannon shares her journey of weight loss, gym anxiety, and making fitness work for you, not against you. No toxic hustle culture, no shame; just honest conversations, practical advice, and a whole lot of “I wish someone had told me this sooner” moments.
If you've ever felt like the gym wasn’t built for you, like workouts should come with a user manual, or like traditional fitness advice just doesn’t fit, you’re in the right place.
the not so typical fitness podcast
007: No Pain No Gain" is TOXIC for Neurodivergent People
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🎯 Why "No Pain No Gain" Doesn't Work for Neurodivergent People
If you have ADHD, autism, anxiety, or chronic pain, traditional fitness advice might be doing more harm than good. In this episode, I'm breaking down why "no pain no gain" is toxic for neurodivergent people and sharing a healthier approach to exercise that actually works.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Why I'm talking about this
02:15 - The problem with "no pain no gain"
05:30 - Discomfort vs. danger: How to tell the difference
08:45 - Why easy workouts are still valid
12:20 - Creating emotional safety in fitness
16:10 - My turning point story
19:30 - Practical tips you can use today
🧠WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
âś… How to distinguish between healthy challenge and actual harm
âś… Why pushing through pain backfires for neurodivergent people
âś… The radio analogy that changed everything for my clients
âś… How to redefine fitness success on your own terms
âś… Why 10 minutes of stretching absolutely counts as exercise
đź“– SHOW NOTES: Read the full episode breakdown with actionable tips: https://www.notsotypicalfitness.co.uk/blog/episode-7-show-notes
I'm Rhiannon – an autistic personal trainer with ADHD (AuDHD), here to help you navigate fitness your way. Whether you're starting out, starting over, or just trying to figure it all out, you're in the right place. This channel is a safe, inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals and anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite “fit” into traditional fitness.
💪 Expect real talk, accessible workouts, sensory-friendly tips, and honest conversations about fitness, mental health, and confidence – without the pressure to be “perfect.”
Join the Not So Typical Fitness Community to get access to all resources, guides and chat to likeminded neurodivergent people wanting to priotirise their health too: https://community.notsotypicalfitness.co.uk/invitation?code=89FCE4
Ready to work with me or want support as a neurodivergent woman in fitness?
Visit my website: https://www.notsotypicalfitness.co.uk/
Find me on socials:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhiannoncooperpt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannonc/
Podcast: *Not So Typical Fitness* – wherever you get your podcasts!
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#NotSoTypicalFitness #NeurodivergentFitness #AuDHD #PersonalTrainer
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