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.
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About Rhiannon | Not So Typical Fitness | Mental Health | Gym Accessibility | Getting Started | Neurodivergent Fitness | PT Qualifications
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.
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.
What Happens at a Gym Induction? (Complete Guide 2026)
Nervous about your first gym induction? This guide explains exactly what happens, how to prepare, and tips to feel confident from day one.
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.
Using AI to Write Your Workout Plan
AI can write a workout plan in seconds, but should you follow it? I test a 2-week AI gym plan, reveal what works, what doesn’t, and share my Not So Typical fix to make it safe and realistic.
Ditching the ‘No Pain, No Gain’ Mentality
You've heard it before: "No pain, no gain." But what if that mindset is doing more harm than good?
Discover the difference between discomfort and danger, why “easy” workouts still count, and how kindness can actually lead to better results.
Beginner’s Complete Gym Guide (2026)
Walking into a gym for the first time can feel overwhelming. This complete guide covers everything you need to start your fitness journey with confidence; including neurodivergent-friendly strategies.
5 Small Wins That Matter More Than Weight Loss
Small wins you experience tell a far bigger story about your wellbeing than quick wins can. In this post, we’re celebrating 5 powerful signs of real progress that often happen long before the number on the scale changes.
Take Before Photos to Track Your Fitness Journey
You’ll already know that it can be hard to see the very real changes other people see when looking in a mirror. By having something to look back on and draw a comparison to, you can make it so much easier to spot those changes.