Episode 14
Episode Summary
Have you ever wanted to try a group exercise class but felt too anxious, too unsure, or just plain too scared to walk through the door?
In this episode, I’m diving deep into what makes typical fitness classes feel so overwhelming—especially for those of us who are neurodivergent, anxious, or completely new to exercise.
You’ll learn:
Why some classes feel like secret clubs (and how to spot the red flags)
The key questions to ask a gym or instructor before you attend
How I’ve designed my own class to be a safe, quiet, and welcoming space for beginners
Why it’s okay to modify, leave early, or ask for help
What real inclusivity looks like in a fitness setting
If you’ve ever hovered outside the studio door, heart pounding, debating whether to walk in—this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn
How to figure out if a class is neurodivergent-friendly
What to expect in group exercise sessions
How to ask instructors about music, pace, and modifications
What makes my JD Gyms Wolverhampton class different
Why you don’t need to be fearless to begin—just supported
Quote of the Week
“You don’t have to be fearless to begin. You just have to be brave enough to take the first step.”
For Listeners Who Feel Like Misfits
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need a space where you can show up and be yourself—and that’s exactly what I’ve created.
Whether you’re local to Wolverhampton or listening from afar, this episode will give you the tools, questions, and confidence to take that first step.
“You don’t have to be fearless to begin. You just have to be brave enough to take the first step.”
Leave a Review & Share the Love
If this episode spoke to you, please leave a rating or review on your podcast platform. It helps the show reach more people who feel like they don’t belong in traditional fitness spaces — and helps remind them that they absolutely do.
See you next week for another not-so-typical episode. 🩷
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:
Shout out to Lindsay McGlone who is mentioned in this weeks episode!
Follow Lindsay on Instagram
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
Interested in sponsoring future episodes? Contact me to discuss opportunities.
Subscribe & Review: Help grow the Not So Typical Fitness community by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Your support helps reach more people who need this message.
Remember: You matter, and sometimes the first step is just believing that and having somebody show up to remind you.
