008: Finding Balance After Burnout

Have you experienced fitness related issues when experience neurodivergent burnout with ADHD or autism? In this raw episode, I share my personal journey from positive gym habits to complete mental health breakdown, and how I'm finding my way back to movement as a neurodivergent person.

00:00 Introduction: Health looks different for neurodivergent people
00:33 Have you ever loved fitness then hated it? (The burnout question)
01:38 My fitness burnout story: From "gym girl era" to breaking point
02:57 When I kept pushing despite my mental health declining
03:17 Food as a coping mechanism during burnout
04:41 What happens when we don't take intentional breaks
05:45 The guilt cycle: How shame keeps us from moving
07:03 Why neurodivergent people need different approaches to fitness
07:55 Permission to rest: Rest isn't quitting, it's rebuilding
08:41 Your worth isn't tied to your fitness or productivity
09:10 Breaking the all-or-nothing fitness mindset
09:47 Recovery is emotional and mental, not just physical
10:26 Tiny steps to restart your movement journey
11:13 Kitchen dancing: Joyful movement alternatives
12:31 Swap "should" for "could": Making movement a choice again
13:12 Health is different for different people
13:43 You're in the messy middle: It's not forever
14:08 Mental fitness matters as much as physical fitness
14:23 Join the Not So Typical Fitness community

You'll discover:
- Why traditional fitness advice fails neurodivergent bodies and minds
- How to recognise when your exercise routine is harming your mental health
- Simple, low-pressure movement strategies that work with executive dysfunction
- Why rest isn't laziness—it's essential for neurodivergent recovery

Perfect for anyone with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or anyone who's felt shame around fitness. Learn how to swap "should" for "could" and find joyful movement without burnout!


#ADHDFitness #AutisticFitness #NeurodivergentWorkout #FitnessBurnout #MentalHealthAndExercise #ExecutiveDysfunction #JoyfulMovement #NotSoTypicalFitness

I'm Rhiannon – an autistic personal trainer with ADHD (AuDHD), here to help you navigate fitness your way. Whether you're starting out, starting over, or just trying to figure it all out, you're in the right place. This channel is a safe, inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals and anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite “fit” into traditional fitness.

💪 Expect real talk, accessible workouts, sensory-friendly tips, and honest conversations about fitness, mental health, and confidence – without the pressure to be “perfect.”

Join the Not So Typical Fitness Community to get access to all resources, guides and chat to likeminded neurodivergent people wanting to priotirise their health too: https://community.notsotypicalfitness.co.uk/invitation?code=89FCE4 

Ready to work with me or want support as a neurodivergent woman in fitness? Visit my website: https://www.notsotypicalfitness.co.uk/ 

Find me on socials:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhiannoncooperpt 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannonc/ 

Podcast: *Not So Typical Fitness* – wherever you get your podcasts!

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Ever had a panic attack in the gym car park?

You're not alone. Our complete guide to overcoming gym anxiety reveals why gyms feel so overwhelming for anxious people—and shares 7 proven strategies that actually work.

• The 5 real barriers that make gyms intimidating
• Practical strategies for sensory overload & social anxiety
• Word-for-word gym etiquette scripts
• A realistic 4-week confidence-building plan

Read the Complete Guide HERE