Making Gym Environments Welcoming

Welcome to Not So Typical Fitness: Your Guide to Accessible Gyms

Hi, I’m Rhiannon, and I’m so glad you’re here! Whether you’re new to exercise, navigating your fitness journey, or a gym looking to improve accessibility, this is the right place for you.

I created Not So Typical Fitness to advocate for accessible neurodivergent gyms, where everyone, regardless of their needs, can feel welcome, supported, and empowered.

Why Gyms Should Be for Everyone

Some gyms can feel loud, bright, and confusing, which isn’t fun for people like me with autism or ADHD.

That’s why I want to make gyms better for people who are different. Everyone deserves a chance to exercise in a way that feels good and not scary.

My mission is to change that by promoting inclusion, mental health awareness, and accessible fitness solutions designed for neurodivergent people.

My Story: Why I Care About This

I have autism and ADHD, so I know how tricky gyms can be. Sometimes, I’ve walked into a gym and left because it felt too noisy and overwhelming.

But I didn’t give up. I worked hard to make fitness work for me. Here’s what I’ve done:

• I lost over 100 pounds by finding ways to exercise that fit my needs.
• Discovered ways to navigate gyms and avoid sensory overwhelm.
• Qualified as a personal trainer.

This is my journey so far and I've not reached the end yet. 18 months between these photos.

The Vision Behind Not So Typical Fitness

Fitness should be inclusive. Gyms can and should cater to everyone.

Here’s how I will make a difference:

1. Educating gym owners about the small changes that can make spaces more welcoming, like offering quiet workout times.
2. Developing fitness programs tailored for autistic and ADHD clients, focusing on reducing overwhelm and building confidence.
3. Advocating for mental health and neurodiversity inclusion in the fitness industry.

How to Make Gyms Friendly

If you run a gym or know someone who does, here are some simple ideas to make it more welcoming:

• Quiet hours: Turn down the music and lower the lights so it’s calm.
• Friendly staff: Teach gym workers about autism and ADHD so they can help better.
• Easy-to-read signs: Put up clear directions so people don’t get lost or confused.
• Chill-out spaces: Make a spot where people can relax if they feel overwhelmed.

These changes can help people feel more comfortable and excited to exercise.

Join Me on This Journey

Not So Typical Fitness is here to help:

• If you’re autistic, have ADHD, or just feel unsure about gyms, I’ll share tips to help you feel more confident.
• If you’re a gym owner, I’ll show you how to make your gym better for neurodiverse people.

Let’s Make Gyms Better for Everyone

Fitness is for everybody. Whether you want to get stronger, feel healthier, or just have fun, you should feel welcome in a gym.

If you’re a gym owner, I’d love to talk to you about making your space more friendly for people like me.

Together, we can make gyms places where everyone feels safe, happy, and ready to move!

Check out my blog to learn how I stood up for change when people didn’t agree with me.