The Not So Typical Fitness Blog
Welcome to the Not So Typical Fitness Blog; a space where fitness meets real life, without the pressure to fit the “perfect” mould. From breaking down gym anxiety to finding routines that actually work for neurodivergent minds and bodies, this blog is all about making health and fitness feel doable, empowering, and unapologetically you.
Categories
Choose a category here or scroll down to browse all blogs: getting started, gym accessibility, about Not So Typical fitness, about Rhiannon, personal training qualifications, fit or fiction: ai in fitness, nutrition, mental health.
From Shutdown to Self-Advocacy: My Late Diagnosis Journey
It started with a Christmas party that changed everything. What I thought was anxiety turned out to be my first autistic shutdown; the moment that led me to discover I’m AuDHD. This is my story of late diagnosis, self-discovery, and learning that being different isn’t something to fix; it’s something to understand, accept, and advocate for.
The Benefits of Being Active & Moving Your Body
You don’t need a full workout to feel the benefits of movement. From stretching in bed to taking short walks, discover how small, consistent actions can boost your mood, mobility, and overall well-being.
Wolverhampton Personal Trainer Prices & What You Actually Get (Inclusive Options)
As an AuDHD personal trainer based in Wolverhampton, I help autistic, ADHD, and neurodivergent people build realistic, anxiety-friendly fitness routines that work with your brain, not against it.
From Burnout to Balance: How I Rebuilt My Relationship with Exercise
After years of pushing through exhaustion, I hit burnout and had to relearn how to move my body with care instead of punishment. This is the story of how I rested my way back to strength, found joy in tiny steps, and rebuilt a sustainable, guilt-free relationship with exercise.
How to Stay Motivated Without Motivation
If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t stick to your plans, it’s not because you’re lazy; it’s because your brain feels unsafe. For autistic, ADHD, and anxious minds, motivation isn’t broken; it’s protective. This blog breaks down how to create “safe plans” that work with your brain instead of against it.
Will Lifting Weights Make Me Bulky?
Worried lifting weights will make you “too bulky”? This common myth holds many women back from discovering the benefits of strength training. The truth is, lifting builds confidence, resilience, and health — not bulk.
Whose Job Is It Anyway? Gym Staff vs Member Roles
Fitness Coaches aren’t your cleaners and re-racking is part of your responsibility. Let’s bust the myths about gym staff roles and why respect matters.
How Many Times Should You Go to the Gym as a Beginner? (Spoiler: Less Than You Think)
If you’re new to the gym, you don’t need to train every day. In fact, starting with 2–3 sessions per week is the best way to build confidence, avoid burnout, and make fitness a routine you can actually stick to. Small steps really do add up.
Why It’s Okay If You Don’t Use the Hotel Gym on Holiday
On my recent holiday at Riu Paraiso in Lanzarote, I had every intention of using the hotel gym. I even stepped inside to check it out. But in the heat, my body was asking for rest, not another workout. Here’s why skipping the gym on holiday is not only okay, but it can actually help your fitness journey.
Gym Induction Guide 2025
Nervous about your first gym induction? This guide explains exactly what happens, how to prepare, and tips to feel confident from day one.
Headphones So Loud That Gym Etiquette Gets Ignored
She couldn’t even hear me ask her to re-rack because her music was blasting. When she finally did? She threw the weights on the floor. Gym etiquette isn’t about being bossy; it’s about respect, safety, and making the gym less intimidating for everyone.
Small Wins in the Gym: Building Real Confidence
True fitness progress isn’t about dramatic transformations, it’s about the small wins that build confidence. In this post, I share a client story that shows how taking one small step in the gym can make all the difference.