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
009: Gym Owners: Here's Why Neurodivergent People Can't Use Your Facilities
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Gym owners: You have a major blind spot costing you members and revenue. In this essential episode, I reveal why neurodivergent people (15-20% of the population!) can't use your facilities - and the simple, affordable solutions to fix it.
00:00 Introduction: The gym membership churn problem
00:35 About me: Autistic/ADHD personal trainer's perspective
01:01 Why gyms aren't accessible for neurodivergent people
01:43 The business opportunity: Serving an overlooked market
02:14 Sensory barriers: Music, lighting, crowding that drive members away
02:57 The mirror problem: Why your gym layout causes anxiety
03:36 Environmental vs. motivation issues: It's not laziness
04:46 Physical vs. neurological accessibility: What you're missing
05:16 Invisible barriers costing you memberships
06:16 The bathroom problem: Why small details matter
06:50 Induction failures: How jargon and assumptions lose clients
08:17 Hidden barriers that are easy and inexpensive to fix
08:46 The costly assumption: "Members should already know"
09:22 Why my induction process works for everyone
10:33 My gym consultancy vision: Neuro-inclusive auditing
11:04 The accessibility wish list: Simple, affordable solutions
12:09 Quiet hours: An untapped membership opportunity
12:42 Video guides and flexible induction options
13:25 Staff training on neurodivergent communication
14:09 Creating a culture of diverse learning styles
14:31 The business case: Accessibility = retention
14:54 The loyalty factor: Why neurodivergent members stay longer
15:20 Call to action: Share with gym owners and designers
As both an autistic/ADHD personal trainer AND a fitness consumer, I break down:
- The invisible barriers preventing neurodivergent member retention
- Why sensory elements (lighting, sound, space) drive away potential long-term clients
- The costly assumptions your staff make during inductions and interactions
- My complete neurodivergent gym accessibility checklist you can implement TODAY.
This isn't just about inclusion; it's about business. Neurodivergent people are incredibly loyal customers when accommodated properly. Stop the churn and tap into this underserved market! But most importantly, be a gym that more people feel safe coming too.
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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