Facing Anxiety Head-On: My Personal Training Assessment and Vision to Change the Industry
Facing Anxiety: My Personal Training Journey
Hi, I’m Rhiannon. You think that because I’m passionate about fitness, I’d be excited about my personal training assessment.
But honestly? I’m scared.
This isn’t just being a little nervous; I’ve had two big meltdowns over it. I’ll be acting as a “student” for another personal trainer (PT) who’s being assessed. This means someone I don’t know will watch, guide, and judge me.
That doesn't sound like much, but as someone with anxiety, autism, ADHD, and cPTSD, it feels overwhelming.
It is tough for people with hidden disabilities
When I’m being watched, I feel very south conscious.
It is like my every move is being judged and this triggers memories of being bullied at school. It even makes me question my abilities, efforts, and my worth.
I asked the course provider for adjustments to help me feel less anxious, but they said no. Now, I have two choices:
- Push through this tough experience.
- Put my dream on hold.
It’s hard to know what to do. One thing is clear. The fitness industry isn’t ready to support people like me. It isn’t ready to support people with hidden disabilities or invisible needs.
CIMSPA: How the Fitness Industry Could Be More Inclusive
CIMSPA stands for the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity. It is the gold standard for fitness professionals in the UK. They make sure trainers are qualified and follow ethical rules.
But I think they can do even more, like:
- Adding adjustments for people with anxiety, autism, ADHD, or other needs during assessments.
- Creating training pathways for neurodivergent trainers who want to use their unique experiences to help others.
These changes wouldn’t just help people like me. They’d also bring more diverse and understanding trainers into the fitness world. This includes trainers who can connect with clients on a deeper level.
My Dream for a More Inclusive Fitness Industry
Here’s what I want to see in the fitness world:
1. Flexible Assessments
Not everyone learns or performs well in the same environment. People with anxiety, autism, or ADHD sometimes need quieter spaces or different ways to show what they know. This doesn’t mean lowering standards, it just means finding better ways to include everyone.
2. Mental Health and Inclusivity Training
Trainers should learn how to support clients with mental health challenges or hidden disabilities. Many people come to the gym to feel better, not just physically but mentally. Trainers need to understand and respect that.
3. Supporting Trainers with Unique Experiences
Consider how inspiring it would be for a client with anxiety. They would gain plenty from working with a trainer who's experienced the same challenges. By welcoming trainers with diverse backgrounds, we can build a fitness world where everyone feels they belong.
Why this matters
This isn’t just about me passing my personal training qualification. It’s about proving that people with anxiety, autism, or ADHD deserve a place in this industry.
If I pass, it will show future trainers that it’s possible to succeed, even if they face challenges like mine. And it will remind clients that fitness can be accessible, no matter who you are.
Let’s Create a Better Fitness Future
I believe the fitness industry can be a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and understood. It won’t be easy, but I’m committed to making it happen.
Together, we can build a future where anxiety, neurodivergence, and invisible disabilities aren’t barriers. Instead, they’re part of what makes the fitness world stronger and more inclusive.
Paving the Way Ahead
Thank you for tracking my journey. If you want to learn more about what I’m doing, reach out. We can discuss ways to make the fitness industry better. I’d love to hear from you!
