Being a Neurodivergent Personal Trainer
My journey to becoming a qualified neurodivergent personal trainer has been anything but typical. I have autism and ADHD. I’ve faced challenges that many wouldn’t understand. These include sensory overload in noisy gyms and a lack of motivation on tough mental health days. These same challenges have helped shape me into the trainer I am today. I truly understand what it’s like to feel out of place in the fitness world. My mission? To help others, particularly neurodivergent individuals, feel confident and supported in their fitness journeys, whether online or in person.
Embracing Neurodivergence in Fitness
Being neurodivergent isn’t a barrier; it’s a unique lens through which I approach fitness.
My autism allows me to notice things that others overlook—like how a client’s posture shifts during a workout.
ADHD, on the other hand, fuels my creativity and energy. I create dynamic, engaging sessions that cater to different learning styles. Whether it’s using visual aids, breaking tasks into small steps, or incorporating sensory-friendly modifications, I adapt to meet needs. This approach helps me connect with clients who feel overwhelmed or misunderstood in traditional gym settings.
Challenges of Being a Neurodivergent (and fat!) Personal Trainer
While my neurodivergence brings strengths, it also comes with challenges. Busy gym environments, with their bright lights, loud music, and constant activity, can be overstimulating.
I’ve learned to manage this by scheduling sessions during quieter times and finding sensory-friendly spaces for my clients. Executive dysfunction—a common autistic/ADHD challenge—can make planning and organisation difficult. I’ve developed systems like detailed checklists and structured routines to stay on track. These not only help me but also give strategies I can share with my clients.
In-Person Training That Feels Safe, Supportive and Designed for You
Stepping into a gym can be daunting—especially if you're neurodivergent or have felt out of place in fitness spaces before. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create in-person sessions that feel calm, inclusive, and completely tailored to you.
When we train together face-to-face, you won’t be thrown into the deep end. You’ll be welcomed into a supportive space where your comfort comes first. I even run inductions on a 1:1 basis and tailor them to you; book one here.
Here’s what that looks like:
Quiet Corners and calmer spaces in the gym so you can focus without sensory overload or feeling watched.
Clear, step-by-step guidance and no guessing games. I break everything down into simple, easy-to-follow instructions to keep things clear and reduce overwhelm.
Sensory support options like noise-cancelling headphones, lower lighting and we’ll adapt the session however we need to help you feel safe and in control.
A space where you’re seen and heard, whether it’s your first ever gym visit or you're chasing a specific goal, I’ll meet you where you are—no judgment, no pressure, just progress at your pace.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish someone just got it”—I do. And I’m here to help you feel strong, confident, and capable in your own way.
Online Coaching That Actually Works for You
Working together online has been a complete game-changer—for me and for the amazing people I support.
Not everyone feels comfortable in a gym. Some of us find those spaces overwhelming, inaccessible, or just not the right fit. That’s why I offer inclusive, flexible online personal training designed around you—your pace, your space, and your needs.
Here’s how I keep it supportive, engaging, and effective:
Live Video Calls
Real-time guidance, encouragement, and a space to ask anything—no pressure, no judgment.
Personalised Video Demos
Prefer to go at your own pace? I’ll record easy-to-follow videos, tailored specifically to your workouts, so you feel confident every step of the way.
Progress Tracking Apps
We’ll use simple tools to keep track of your workouts, celebrate your wins, and help you stay motivated between sessions.
The best part? You can train from the comfort and safety of your own home. No travel, no crowds, no fluorescent lights or blasting music—just you, me, and a plan that works for your brain and body.
If you’ve ever felt like the gym just isn’t made for you… maybe it’s not. But this is. Find out more about online training with me here.
Building a Community for Neurodivergent Clients
Beyond individual sessions, I’m passionate about building a sense of community. Creating spaces where people feel understood and supported. My Not So Typical Fitness community offers a mix of online and in-person opportunities including:
Virtual support groups to share experiences and tips.
Group fitness challenges to bring people together and offer motivation.
Educational content from sensory-friendly workout tips to managing mental health through fitness.
Why Autistic and ADHD Representation Matters in Fitness
Representation is powerful. When you see someone like you it does something.
It challenges stereotypes and inspires confidence.
As a neurodivergent personal trainer, I want to show that fitness is for everyone. I advocate for accessibility—from quieter gym spaces to clearer workout instructions—and push for industry-wide changes that accommodate diverse needs.
Empowering Change Through Fitness
Fitness has the power to change and save lives, and I’m here to make sure that is accessible to all. My work as a neurodivergent, autistic ADHDer and personal trainer goes beyond just exercise. It’s about creating a safe, supportive space where clients can thrive.
Whether you’re looking for online training that fits your schedule, I’m here to help you take that first step. Alternatively, if you prefer in-person sessions designed with your sensory needs in mind, I can help with that too.
Are you ready to start your fitness journey?
Whether you prefer the flexibility of online training or the hands-on support of in-person sessions, I’m here to help. Join the free Not So Typical Fitness community today. Discover how empowering and enjoyable fitness can be. Or contact me:
