009: Gym Owners: Here's Why Neurodivergent People Can't Use Your Facilities

Send us Fan MailGym owners: You have a major blind spot costing you members and revenue. In this essential episode, I reveal why neurodivergent people (15-20% of the population!) can't use your facilities - and the simple, affordable solutions to fix it.00:00 Introduction: The gym membership churn problem00:35 About me: Autistic/ADHD personal trainer's perspective01:01 Why gyms aren't accessible for neurodivergent people01:43 The business opportunity: Serving an overlooked market02:14 Sensory barriers: Music, lighting, crowding that drive members away02:57 The mirror problem: Why your gym layout causes anxiety03:36 Environmental vs. motivation issues: It's not laziness04:46 Physical vs. neurological accessibility: What you're missing05:16 Invisible barriers costing you memberships06:16 The bathroom problem: Why small details matter06:50 Induction failures: How jargon and assumptions lose clients08:17 Hidden barriers that are easy and inexpensive to fix08:46 The costly assumption: "Members should already know"09:22 Why my induction process works for everyone10:33 My gym consultancy vision: Neuro-inclusive auditing11:04 The accessibility wish list: Simple, affordable solutions12:09 Quiet hours: An untapped membership opportunity 12:42 Video guides and flexible induction options13:25 Staff training on neurodivergent communication14:09 Creating a culture of diverse learning styles14:31 The business case: Accessibility = retention14:54 The loyalty factor: Why neurodivergent members stay longer15:20 Call to action: Share with gym owners and designersAs both an autistic/ADHD personal trainer AND a fitness consumer, I break down:- The invisible barriers preventing neurodivergent member retention- Why sensory elements (lighting, sound, space) drive away potential long-term clients- The costly assumptions your staff make during inductions and interactions- My complete neurodivergent gym accessibility checklist you can implement TODAY.This isn't just about inclusion; it's about business. Neurodivergent people are incredibly loyal customers when accommodated properly. Stop the churn and tap into this underserved market! But most importantly, be a gym that more people feel safe coming too. 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!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss new videos.#NotSoTypicalFitness #NeurodivergentFitness #AuDHD #PersonalTrainerEver 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 intimidatingPractical strategies for sensory overload & social anxietyWord-for-word gym etiquette scriptsA realistic 4-week confidence-building planRead the Complete Guide HERE