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.

Not So Typical Fitness

Hi, I’m Rhiannon; the not-so-typical personal trainer behind this community. I’m autistic, ADHD, and passionate about creating a world where fitness feels safe, supportive, and genuinely inclusive. This section shares my story, values, and vision for Not So Typical Fitness, where showing up as yourself is always enough.

Popular Blogs on Not So Typical Fitness
How to Stay Motivated Without Motivation
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.

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Why It’s Okay If You Don’t Use the Hotel Gym on Holiday
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.

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Ditching the ‘No Pain, No Gain’ Mentality
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.

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5 Small Wins That Matter More Than Weight Loss
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.

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Adapting Fitness to Sensory Needs
Adapting Fitness to Sensory Needs

Fitness should never feel like sensory overload. As a neurodivergent personal trainer, I know how overwhelming gyms and rigid routines can be. This guide helps you adapt movement to your unique sensory needs.

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Sensory-Friendly Workout Modifications
Sensory-Friendly Workout Modifications

This guide explores simple, sensory-friendly modifications; from quieter equipment and calming spaces to adaptive exercises that feel good for your body and mind. Discover how to build workouts that work with your sensory needs, not against them.

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Getting Started

Starting the gym can feel overwhelming; especially if you’re neurodivergent, anxious, or simply unsure where to begin. This section breaks down the basics and is here to help you start strong and feel supported every step of the way.

Popular Blogs on Getting Started:
Will Lifting Weights Make Me Bulky?
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.

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Gym Induction Guide 2025
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.

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Gymtimidation is real: here’s how I help you overcome it
Gymtimidation is real: here’s how I help you overcome it
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5 Small Wins That Matter More Than Weight Loss
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.

Read More →

Gym Accessibility

Gyms should be for everyone, but that isn’t always the case. Here, I explore how we can make fitness spaces more inclusive, from sensory-friendly setups to staff training and small changes that make a big difference.