Helping Neurodivergent People Build Strength Without Sensory Overload, Gym Anxiety, or Burnout
I'm Rhiannon; autistic, ADHD, competitive strongwoman, and personal trainer building fitness spaces that actually work for neurodivergent brains.
Choose Your Starting Point
Just Starting Out?
Free Gym Anxiety Toolkit: Get my proven 4-step system for managing gym anxiety, plus the sensory preparation checklist I use with every client.
Perfect if you're exploring whether fitness is right for you or need support before taking the next step.
"This morning I walked into the gym and did a workout for the first time ever, and it's thanks to you. I know it's hard to ignore the trolls and the haters, but there's so many of us grateful for you to outweigh them."
— Alex M., Instagram Follower
Ready for Structure?
Sensory-Safe Strength System: an 8-week progressive strength program designed specifically for neurodivergent brains. Build real strength without overwhelm, burnout, or confusion.
Includes: Full training program, home alternatives, sweat solutions handbook, gym scripts, meltdown prevention protocol.
Only £27 | Immediate Access | Get Started →
"Your videos and your kindness to help me even though I live in Sweden made me change my life. I have now lost 10 kg. And you have a part of my change. Thank you."
— Suzanne, Sensory-Safe Strength System
Want Personal Support?
1:1 Training Packages from £34.50/hr (package rates available)
Work directly with me in Wolverhampton or online. Fully customised training that adapts to your sensory profile, goals, and life.
Confidence Builder Package: £349
3 sessions + ongoing support between workouts.
"I've never felt this safe in a gym before. Rhiannon just gets how my brain works and is the first personal trainer to listen to my worries when it comes to my health conditions. Other PTs pushed me too far and dismissed my physical health conditions leading to injury - I don't worry about this with Rhiannon and my strength and confidence is building every session!"
— Holly, 1:1 Client
As Featured In
Why Fitness Hasn't Worked For You (Until Now)
If you're autistic, have ADHD, or find gyms overwhelming, you've probably been told:
"Just push through it"
"You need more willpower"
"Everyone feels uncomfortable at first"
But that's not your reality.
Sensory overload isn't about willpower. Executive dysfunction isn't laziness. And gym anxiety isn't something you can just "get over."
Traditional fitness wasn't built for neurodivergent brains.
What Makes Not So Typical Fitness Different
Sensory-Aware Training
Environments, movements, and equipment selected to prevent overwhelm, not cause it. Every session includes sensory-friendly modifications tailored to your needs.
Executive Function Support
Flexible scheduling, clear step-by-step guidance, and accountability systems that work with ADHD and autistic brains. Learn how to create routines that actually work.
Burnout Prevention
Gradual, sustainable habit formation that respects your nervous system. Pushing through burnout doesn't build strength, it destroys your relationship with exercise.
Embracing Your Strengths
Focus on what your unique neurotype brings to fitness rather than forcing neurotypical approaches. My neurodivergence directly shapes how I design programs.
My Podcasts
Not So Typical Fitness
Navigating Late Autism and ADHD Diagnosis: A Neurodivergent Journey
In this episode, Rhiannon Cooper shares her diagnosis journey of late autism and ADHD. She opens up about experiencing autistic shutdowns, navigating the complex autism diagnosis process, and managing sensory overload in everyday situations.
She addresses the unique grief that accompanies late autism diagnosis, the process of autism acceptance, and finding meaningful neurodivergent support and community connection.
Neurodiverse Sport
Privateer Life & Neurodivergence: Maddy Nutt's Journey in Gravel Cycling
Professional gravel cyclist Maddy Nutt shares what it's like to compete at elite level as a neurodivergent athlete.
We discuss finding your zone during competition, navigating team dynamics with sensory needs, and why "JOMO" (Joy of Missing Out) might be the neurodivergent athlete's superpower.
From The Blog
How to Overcome Gym Anxiety and Intimidation
Struggling with gym anxiety, panic attacks, or fear of judgment?
This comprehensive guide reveals why gyms feel overwhelming for anxious people and shares 7 proven strategies to build confidence without the overwhelm.
Inside:
The 5 real barriers that cause gym intimidation
Practical strategies for managing sensory overload and social anxiety
Word-for-word gym etiquette scripts for every situation
A realistic 4-week plan to overcome gym fear
How to find the quietest gym times in Wolverhampton
Hi, I’m Rhiannon!
I'm a competitive strongwoman, certified personal trainer, and neurodivergent advocate. But more importantly, I'm autistic and have ADHD, and I understand what it's like when fitness spaces feel like they weren't built for you.
I founded Not So Typical Fitness because I needed it myself. After years of forcing my brain into neurotypical fitness approaches and burning out repeatedly, I realised the problem wasn't me; it was the system.
Now I help anxious, nervous, and neurodivergent people build strength on their own terms. No pressure, no diet culture, no judgment. Just compassionate, sensory-aware support that actually works.
I've been featured in The Sun, appeared on Joe Fazer's YouTube channel (1M+ views), host the Neurodiverse Sport podcast, and participated in the UN Commission on the Status of Women as an advocate for neurodivergent inclusion in sport and fitness.
My mission: Prove that every body belongs in fitness spaces, and transform the industry to make it true.
Also Offering: Business & Accessibility Services
Beyond personal training, I help businesses become more neuroinclusive:
Fitness Industry Consulting - Help gyms and trainers better serve neurodivergent clients
Accessibility Consulting - Work with hotels, venues, airports, spas and other businesses
Ready to Get Started?
Here's how most people work with me:
Step 1
Start Free Download the Gym Anxiety Toolkit to explore whether this approach feels right for you. Download Free Toolkit →
Step 2
Get the Sensory-Safe Strength System (£27) and start training with an 8-week structured program.
Step 3
If you want personalised support, book a free call to discuss 1:1 training. Book Free Discovery Call →
You can start anywhere. You can move between options. There's no pressure to do this "perfectly."
Stop Dreading The Gym. Start Building Strength.
The Sensory-Safe Strength System is an 8-week program designed specifically for anxious brains. Get zero-decision workouts, sensory survival strategies, and word-for-word scripts for every awkward gym situation.
200+ neurodivergent people are already using it.