Episode 5: The Biggest Weight in the Gym
Your Mental Health Can Be Your Emergency
Episode Summary
In this episode, host Rhiannon Cooper discusses the importance of mental preparation for workouts and how to make fitness work for neurodivergent minds. Rhiannon shares personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming executive dysfunction, sensory overwhelm, and decision paralysis at the gym.
Key Takeaways
Building flexibility into your fitness routine is crucial for neurodivergent individuals who may struggle with executive function and sensory issues
It's okay to leave the gym if you become overwhelmed - your mental health can be your emergency
Having backup plans (home workouts, walking, simple stretching) helps avoid the "all or nothing" mentality
Task paralysis (getting stuck between steps) is common, and having mini-plans can help overcome it
Celebrate small wins - even a few minutes of stretching or movement counts
Topics Covered
How to mentally prepare for workouts
Dealing with executive function challenges
Managing sensory overwhelm in gym environments
Creating flexibility and backup plans
Overcoming decision paralysis
Permission to prioritise mental wellbeing
Quotes From The Episode
"Sometimes the biggest weight in the gym is actually our own minds."
"Your mental health can be your emergency. You can leave. No one needs to know... They will not know if you're leaving because you're overwhelmed or if because there's an emergency at home or because you're about to be sick."
"It's okay for your plan to need to change. It's okay to have to be flexible."
About Rhiannon Cooper
Rhiannon Cooper is a personal trainer who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 30. Since then, Rhiannon has lost over 100 pounds and now helps neurodivergent clients find ways to prioritize their health in ways that work for them.
Connect With Not So Typical Fitness
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannonc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannoncooperpt/
Rate and review the podcast to help others find it!
Don't forget to share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing about making fitness more accessible for neurodivergent minds.
Next episode: Rhiannon will continue sharing strategies for making fitness accessible to neurodivergent individuals.
