Episode 12 Show Notes
Why I'll Never Be a Fully Online Coach
Watch here on YouTube.
Episode Summary
In this honest and vulnerable episode, I explain why I'm choosing to stay on the gym floor despite the trend toward fully online coaching. I share my unique perspective as an autistic, ADHD personal trainer and why in-person presence is essential for supporting neurodivergent and anxious clients who struggle to ask for help.
The Problem with Going Fully Online
Current fitness industry trend pushes coaches toward 100% digital models
Focus on higher profits and easier lifestyle (no 5am starts, no equipment cleanup)
Misses critical opportunities to help those who need support most
Why In-Person Presence Matters
Hyper-awareness as a survival skill: My neurodivergent traits allow me to notice micro-signals others miss
Spotting struggle before it's voiced: I can read body language, tension, overstimulation signs
Creating safety for those who can't ask: Many clients feel safe knowing I'll notice when they need help
Real Examples from the Gym Floor
Hip thrust technique correction: I helped someone struggling with barbell setup who wouldn't have asked for help
Treadmill guidance: I go beyond basic answers to anticipate unasked questions
Presence during vulnerable moments: I'm available when someone is overwhelmed or about to break down
The Mental Health Connection
Maintaining her own resilience: Staying in challenging environments prevents comfort zone shrinkage
Connection and purpose: Helping others supports her own mental health
Authenticity practice: Using the gym as a space to unmask and be more authentic
Who Gets Left Behind
Three groups that struggle most without in-person support:
People too scared to ask - Fear of rejection or ridicule
People too overwhelmed - Overstimulated by gym environment
People too used to being ignored - Past experiences of dismissal
"Some people don't ask for help because they're too scared, they are too overwhelmed or they're too used to being ignored. I became a personal trainer for those people."
"I can tell when someone is overstimulated, I can tell when somebody is about to cry in the gym bathroom and that is why I will never be a fully online personal trainer."
"Creating safe spaces isn't optional for me. It's a standard."
Actionable Takeaways
For Gym-Goers:
If you see me at the gym, know that I’m genuinely available to help
Your struggles are valid - you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed or unsure
Progress happens when you feel safe and supported
For Fitness Professionals:
Consider the impact of going fully online on vulnerable populations
Develop awareness of non-verbal distress signals
Balance business growth with service to those who need help most
For Anyone Supporting Others:
Sometimes the most important help happens before someone asks
Presence and awareness can be more valuable than formal programs
Creating safety allows people to take risks and grow
Why This Message Matters (Especially for Neurodivergent Folks)
If you’re autistic, ADHD, or deal with anxiety or depression, the idea of “being consistent” can feel impossible. We work in cycles, a bit like bursts of energy, which is often followed by burnout. That’s not failure. It’s a different rhythm. And it’s valid.
Permission to Not Be Perfect
Ready to connect with others who get it? Join the Not So Typical Fitness community – a judgment-free space where we're all figuring out how to prioritise health in ways that actually work for us.
About Rhiannon:
Rhiannon Cooper is a qualified personal trainer with autism, ADHD, and a passion for making fitness accessible to neurodivergent people. She offers online and in-person training in Wolverhampton and runs the Not So Typical Fitness community.
Connect with Rhiannon:
Listen to the full episode: click here or watch the video below.
Join Our Community
If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to join our Not So Typical Fitness community on Heartbeat. It's a space created specifically for neurodivergent people and anyone who needs a different approach to fitness—one that honors mental health, sensory needs, and individual differences.
We share both victories and challenges, supporting each other in ways that work for our unique brains and bodies.
Episode Sponsors
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Remember: You matter, and sometimes the first step is just believing that and having somebody show up to remind you.
