Inclusivity Audits & Consulting for Gyms & Fitness Facilities
Make your gym genuinely welcoming for neurodivergent and plus-size members; not just accessible on paper.
I'm Rhiannon Cooper: qualified personal trainer, former saddle fitter, and neurodivergent advocate who understands fitness spaces from both sides—as a professional and as someone who's navigated gym anxiety firsthand.
I help gyms identify barriers that exclude neurodivergent and plus-size members, and provide practical solutions that actually work.
I offer three ways to work together, from comprehensive inclusivity audits to staff training and ongoing consultation. Whether you're looking to attract underserved populations or create a genuinely welcoming environment, there's an option that fits your goals.
Gym Inclusivity Audit
A comprehensive assessment of how your facility accommodates (or excludes) neurodivergent and plus-size members.
What I Assess:
Sensory Environment
Lighting (harsh fluorescent vs adjustable options)
Noise levels (music volume, equipment clanging, echo)
Visual clutter and overwhelming signage
Mirror placement and abundance
Crowding and personal space considerations
Scent (cleaning products, air fresheners, perfumes)
Equipment Accessibility
Weight capacity clearly marked
Range of equipment sizes (handles, seats, straps)
Space between machines (can larger bodies move safely?)
Modification equipment availability (bands, blocks, straps)
Cardio machine weight limits
Free weight range (light enough for beginners?)
Facility Layout & Way-finding
Clear signage and intuitive layout
Designated quiet zones or low-stimulus areas
Privacy options (screens, separate rooms)
Locker room accessibility and comfort
Shower/changing stall size
Seating options (benches with/without arms)
Staff Training & Culture
Implicit bias awareness
Body-neutral language and approach
Understanding of neurodivergent needs
Modification skills and willingness
Comfort addressing accessibility requests
Sales pressure and social demands
Class Structure & Instruction
Modification options clearly offered
Instructor training on body diversity
Sensory considerations (lighting, music volume)
Pace and complexity options
Social pressure and competition culture
Rest and opting-out permission
Member Experience
Onboarding process complexity
Induction clarity and structure
Cancellation and pause flexibility
Communication style and frequency
Complaint/feedback accessibility
Marketing and representation
What You Receive:
Detailed audit report (20-30 pages)
Prioritised action plan (quick wins vs long-term changes)
Staff training recommendations
Marketing strategy to attract neurodivergent and plus-size members
Competitor analysis
Optional: Follow-up consultation (90 mins)
Investment: £750-£1,200 (depending on facility size) Timeline: 1 day on-site visit + 1-2 weeks for report delivery
Staff Training: Inclusive Fitness Environments
"Creating Gyms That Welcome ALL Bodies and Brains"
Interactive Workshop for Gym Staff, PTs, and Instructors
Your team learns:
What neurodivergence actually means (autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, sensory processing differences)
Common gym barriers for neurodivergent members (and how to remove them)
Body diversity and weight-neutral fitness approaches
How to offer modifications without singling people out
Communication strategies for anxious or overwhelmed members
Sensory accommodations that benefit everyone
How to create psychologically safe fitness spaces
Format: In-person or virtual Duration: 90-120 minutes Capacity: Up to 30 staff members Investment: £500 (+ travel if in-person outside Wolverhampton area)
Optional Add-On: Customised inclusivity handbook for your gym (£300)
Ongoing Inclusivity Partnership
Perfect for gyms committed to long-term culture change and continuous improvement.
Quarterly check-ins, mystery member assessments, staff training refreshers, and strategic consulting to ensure your inclusivity efforts don't slip as staff turn over or your facility evolves.
Includes:
Quarterly facility assessments (half-day each)
Staff training access (recorded modules + live refreshers)
Priority support for member feedback and concerns
Annual comprehensive audit update
Marketing and communication consultation
Policy and procedure review
Investment: Custom pricing based on facility size and needs
Why Work With Me
I'm a Qualified PT Who Gets It
I'm not a consultant who's never worked in gyms. I'm a Level 3 qualified personal trainer who trains clients in traditional gym spaces. I know what's realistic, what's not, and what actually makes a difference for members.
I Have Lived Experience
I'm autistic, ADHD, and have navigated gym anxiety personally. I've felt the sensory overwhelm, the confusion over unspoken social rules, and the shame of not fitting into standard equipment. I know what barriers look like because I've experienced them.
I Understand Your Business
I run my own fitness business. I know you need practical, cost-effective recommendations that won't alienate your current members or require a complete renovation. My audits are honest, actionable, and prioritised by impact and feasibility.
I've Trained Your Staff
I've delivered paid workshops for JD Gyms and Neurodiverse Sport on creating inclusive fitness environments. This work has been tested, refined, and proven effective in real gym settings.
I'm Not Here to Shame You
My goal isn't to call you out for what you're doing wrong. It's to help you do better. Most exclusion is unintentional—you can't fix what you don't know about. I approach every audit with curiosity and partnership, not judgment.
My Experience
Professional Training & Consulting
JD Gyms Inclusive Fitness Training
I've delivered paid workshops for JD Gyms staff on creating inclusive fitness environments for neurodivergent and plus-size members. This training covered sensory accommodations, body-neutral communication, and practical strategies for making gyms genuinely welcoming.
Neurodiverse Sport Accessibility Workshops
I've run accessibility workshops for Neurodiverse Sport, helping coaches and sport organisations understand how to adapt programs for neurodivergent athletes. This work focused on communication strategies, sensory considerations, and creating inclusive sporting environments.
Working with Neurodivergent & Plus-Size Clients
For several years, I've provided 1:1 personal training for clients who've been failed by traditional gyms. Many have gym anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or have been shamed for their bodies. Their experiences directly inform every audit and recommendation I make.
Professional Background
Qualified Personal Trainer (Level 3) I understand gym operations, equipment, programming, and what's realistic for trainers to implement.
Former Saddle Fitter My years fitting saddles professionally taught me to assess biomechanics and body diversity in ways most consultants miss. I understand how equipment design and spatial layout either accommodate or exclude different bodies.
Why I Do This Work
I started Not So Typical Fitness because I was tired of seeing people—including myself—excluded from fitness spaces. Gyms should be places where people build strength and confidence, not places that reinforce shame and anxiety. Every audit is an opportunity to change that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a gym audit take?
A comprehensive gym inclusivity audit takes one full day on-site (during both quiet and busy times to assess different conditions), followed by 1-2 weeks for detailed report delivery.
What size gyms do you work with?
I work with facilities of all sizes: boutique studios, independent gyms, chain locations, leisure centres, and corporate fitness facilities. Pricing adjusts based on facility size and complexity.
Will your recommendations alienate our current members?
No. Inclusive design benefits everyone. Better lighting, clearer signage, quieter zones, and well-trained staff improve the experience for all members—not just neurodivergent or plus-size ones.
Do we have to implement everything you recommend?
Absolutely not. My audit report is prioritised by impact and feasibility. You choose what fits your budget and timeline. Some gyms start with quick wins and expand from there.
What if our staff don't want training?
Resistance usually comes from fear of doing something wrong or not understanding why it matters. My training is practical, not preachy, and focuses on skills staff can use immediately. Most trainers leave feeling empowered, not criticized.
How much does a gym inclusivity audit cost?
Gym audits range from £750-£1,200 depending on facility size. Staff training is £500. Contact me for an exact quote based on your needs.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, for projects £1,000 and above, I offer split payments: 50% upfront, 50% on delivery.
Can we see a sample audit report?
Contact me directly at rhiannon@notsotypicalfitness.co.uk to request a redacted sample report.
Do you only work in the UK?
I'm based in Wolverhampton, UK, but available for travel (with expenses covered). Virtual consultations are available for facilities outside my travel range, though in-person audits are most effective.
Ready To Get Started?
Step 1: Book a Free Discovery Call
Let's discuss your facility, your goals, and whether we're a good fit.
Step 2: I'll Send a Proposal
Based on our conversation, I'll send a customised proposal with scope, timeline, and investment.
Step 3: We Make It Happen
You get actionable insights. Your members get a better experience. Your business attracts populations your competitors are excluding.
Get In Touch
Email: rhiannon@notsotypicalfitness.co.uk Phone: 07855 285514
Not So Typical Fitness is committed to making fitness genuinely accessible for everyone. All audits and consultations are conducted with confidentiality, respect, and a partnership mindset.
I work with gyms of all sizes, from boutique studios to national chains. If you're committed to doing better, I'm here to help you get there.