004: How To Overcome Gym Anxiety

the not so typical fitness podcast

Feeling anxious about stepping into a gym? You're not alone. In this episode of Not So Typical Fitness, host Rhiannon Cooper—personal trainer, neurodivergent advocate, and gym anxiety survivor—breaks down the fears, sensory challenges, and misconceptions that make gyms feel overwhelming.
From dealing with noise sensitivity to finding confidence in new environments, Rhiannon shares practical strategies to make fitness more accessible. Whether you're struggling to walk through the door or unsure how to navigate gym equipment, this episode provides the insights and encouragement you need to take that first step.
0:00 Introduction to the Podcast
0:38 What is Gym Anxiety and Why It Matters
2:02 Why Gym Anxiety Is Common for Everyone
3:29 Misconceptions About Who "Belongs" in a Gym
4:55 My Personal Experience with Gym Anxiety
7:35 Building Routines to Manage Anxiety
9:00 Dealing with Noise Sensitivity in Gyms
10:32 The Importance of Knowing Gym Layout in Advance
12:30 Common Sensory Triggers in Gym Environments
15:35 Overcoming Fear of Judgment
16:58 Acknowledging Struggles and Preparing for Success
18:12 Practical Coping Strategies for Neurodivergent Gym-Goers
19:17 Navigating Equipment and Workout Planning
21:31 Using Sunflower Lanyards and Identifying Needs
22:23 Working with a Personal Trainer for Support
24:19 Progress Takes Time: From Anxiety to PT
26:12 Share Your Experiences and Strategies
27:57 Celebrating Small Wins on Your Fitness Journey
29:00 Final Thoughts on Making Fitness Accessible
Subscribe and follow for weekly tips to make your fitness journey smoother and more accessible. Not So Typical Fitness is about finding strength in who you are, not about fitting in or looking good.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhiannonc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannoncooperpt/
Email: [email protected]
#NeurodivergentFitness #GymTips #InclusiveFitness #ADHD #Autism #PersonalTraining

Chapters

1. What is Gym Anxiety and Why It Matters (00:00:00)

2. Why Gym Anxiety Is Common for Everyone (00:02:02)

3. Misconceptions About Who "Belongs" in a Gym (00:03:29)

4. My Personal Experience with Gym Anxiety (00:04:55)

5. Building Routines to Manage Anxiety (00:07:35)

6. Dealing with Noise Sensitivity in Gyms (00:09:00)

7. The Importance of Knowing Gym Layout in Advance (00:10:32)

8. Common Sensory Triggers in Gym Environments (00:12:30)

9. Overcoming Fear of Judgment (00:15:35)

10. Acknowledging Struggles and Preparing for Success (00:16:58)

11. Practical Coping Strategies for Neurodivergent Gym-Goers (00:18:12)

12. Navigating Equipment and Workout Planning (00:19:17)

13. Using Sunflower Lanyards and Identifying Needs (00:21:31)

14. Working with a Personal Trainer for Support (00:22:23)

15. Progress Takes Time: From Anxiety to PT (00:24:19)

16. Share Your Experiences and Strategies (00:26:12)

17. Celebrating Small Wins on Your Fitness Journey (00:27:57)