011: Progress Isn't Linear (And That's Not a Failure)

Progress isn't linear and that's not a failure. In this episode, we dive into the reality of fitness journeys - the dips, spirals, plateaus, and "backwards" steps that fitness culture tries to ignore. Host Rhiannon Cooper, a qualified personal trainer and late-diagnosed autistic ADHDer, shares why your journey doesn't need to be a straight line to be successful.

Main themes:

The myth of linear progress

Why fitness journeys look more like a heart rate monitor than a straight line

Reframing "backwards steps"

Understanding that temporary setbacks don't erase your progress

The power of plateaus

How maintenance phases build lifelong confidence and habits

Invisible progress

Celebrating wins that don't show up on scales or in gym PRs

What's one small win you've experienced this week that nobody saw but meant everything to you?

Connect with the Community

Join the ⁠Not So Typical Fitness community⁠ on Heartbeat (free) for support from people who understand non-linear journeys.

💪 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 prioritise their health too: https://community.notsotypicalfitness.co.uk/invitation?code=4F8BEA 

Ready to work with me or want support 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/ 

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#NotSoTypicalFitness #NeurodivergentFitness #AuDHD #PersonalTrainer

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