Undiagnosed Overweight and Unfit
My own neurodivergent fitness journey has been challenge after challenge.
Firstly, entering the fitness world when you're morbidly obese is not easy. Secondly, trying to find self-acceptance is not easy.
I might be a qualified personal trainer now, but believe me, I had to work through lots of set backs to get here. Yes, I've made it this far, but there have been too many challenges to list, almost as many breakthroughs, but most of all, plenty of lessons I never expected.
Today, it isn't just on about my own fitness journey anymore because I’m working to change the industry. My goal is to make it more inclusive for everyone, but especially for other neurodivergent people or anyone with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Essentially, anyone like me.
If this is the first time reading about me, well hi and welcome! I've written this as a bit of a snapshot of my story and to share the vision I have of how gyms can improve.
Struggles with Health and Confidence
A few years ago, I was at my lowest point; mentally, physically, and emotionally. I was overweight, unfit, battling depression, anxiety, an eating disorder and unbeknownst to me at the time, I was also neurodivergent and soon to be diagnosed as being autistic and having ADHD.
There was this constant cycle of self-doubt.
The idea of stepping into a gym felt impossible.
The loud music, crowded spaces, and unfamiliar equipment was too overwhelming, and I didn’t feel like I belonged.
But one day, I decided to take a small step. That step turned into another, and slowly, I started to see changes. Not just in my body, but in my mindset.
Fitness became less about weight loss and more about feeling strong, capable, and in control.
Read this related blog: why every gym should offer video guides before you even join
finding and Embracing My Neurodivergent fitness story
In 2022, I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Like many late diagnosed people, I was able to start to understand myself better. Suddenly, many of the struggles I faced through life, and when it came to health and fitness, made sense.
Reasons I avoided exercise, like sensory overload, decision fatigue, and struggling to stick to rigid plans were barriers I hadn’t realised were due to my neurodivergence.
With my new knowledge and understanding of myself, I needed to find a way to make health work for me and my autistic ADHDer brain. I knew I needed to make healthier choices and live a healthier life and now I knew that I needed to do it a bit differently, and create a fitness journey that worked for me. This meant:
Finding workouts that I genuinely enjoyed.
Creating sensory-friendly environments.
Celebrating small wins instead of chasing perfection.
Advocating for Change in the Fitness Industry
As I progressed in my journey, it became apparent that the fitness industry isn’t designed with everyone in mind. In general, gyms seem to be designed by, and for, neurotypical people. It seems that many personal trainers are also neurotypical, which means many of the classes, programmes and even resources are built with them in mind. The result is that fitness feels inaccessible and often leaves anyone a little 'different' feeling excluded or overwhelmed. Myself included.
This isn't even just in the sense of trying to improve your health and get fitter. The journey to qualify as a personal trainer was a neurodivergent nightmare too, but that is a long story and for another time.
The Vision to break barriers in fitness for everyone
In a nutshell, that’s why I’m on a mission to make fitness more inclusive for anyone neurodivergent. I will be spearheading things like:
Advocating for sensory-friendly spaces by encouraging gyms to create low-sensory workout zones and share quiet times.
Providing accessible resources like designing workouts, trackers, and guides that are simple, flexible, and welcoming.
Sharing my story and using my platform to connect with others, raise awareness, and inspire change.
Where I Am Now
As we end the first month in 2025, I’m stronger and more confident than ever, but my journey to create inclusive fitness for everyone is far from over. In a strange way, I feel as though it is only just beginning.
I've qualified as a personal trainer and I am working in a gym. I'm the head of digital community for Neurodiverse Sport and looking to head up neurodivergent gym audits. The best part, is that I have some fantastic clients who I know are seeing positive changes throughout every aspect of their life.
The health and fitness world needs to be a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Regardless of whether it’s their first workout or their hundredth. Being a voice for change and breaking down barriers is scary at times, but I am driven by my mission to build a more inclusive industry.
Read this related blog: gym accessibility for everyone
There are some who disagree with me. They don't think changes needs to happen, and I say to them, that they are the reason change must happen.
Read this related blog on how I was trolled on Threads: click here.
Your Own Inclusive Fitness Journey
If my story resonates with you, then join me. In whatever way you can, support the changes that we need to make.
You can share this blog post to your social media, you can print it out and give it to your gym manager or colleagues. Leave a comment below if you are comfortable and let me know how you are coming on board.
If you are just starting out or looking for a supportive fitness community, there’s a place for you in my Neurodivergent Fitness Support Group too. A safe place where we can create a fitness experience that’s as unique as we are.
If you're a gym owner or fellow personal trainer and want to connect, please reach out in a way that works for you. I would love to discuss how and where we can work together. Email or LinkedIn might be the best bet, but anywhere else too, just send me a message.
Interested in my journey? Read more about how I tackled my anxieties head on.
