About Rhiannon & Not So Typical Fitness
Why this matters and why I’ve made this my career:
I’m Rhiannon Cooper.
The Founder of Not So Typical Fitness and a Qualified Personal Trainer with autism and ADHD.
I work with other neurodivergent people in person and online to improve their health in ways that work for them.
This is my story.
2022 was a turning point
Before that, I wasn’t in a good place. But my autism and ADHD diagnosis changed everything.
It was the catalyst for finally understanding why I always felt like I didn’t belong. Why I thought I was broken. Why I couldn’t just be like everyone else.
But my diagnosis taught me I wasn’t broken; I was just different.
Hearing my wife say she didn’t want me to die young hit me hard.
The realisation that I couldn’t even remember the last time I was out of breath hit harder.
For the first time, I felt like my health mattered.
I needed to change.
I knew I had to exercise. But where to start?
Walking? Swimming and wet floors? A gym? I couldn’t imagine anything worse.
So, I turned to YouTube. I searched for ‘beginners home workouts no jumping no equipment.’
I hated them but I did them. At first, I had to restart the videos over and over just to figure out the movements. It was overwhelming. But I stuck with it.
Eventually, I bought a set of weights from Amazon.
I can’t say I enjoyed it, but I was making my body work, and that was what mattered. I was doing something to improve my health in a way that worked for me.
Cardio was the next step.
That meant cross trainers, treadmills and bikes. I hated all of them.
Within minutes, I’d enter a state of overwhelm and panic and have to stop. It was like feeling warm or breathless triggered anxiety.
I’d watch others around me and they didn’t panic.
One day, something clicked. I hated feeling out of control.
All those avoided PE lessons at school were because no one ever explained that being breathless and sweaty was okay.
Looking back, it all makes sense.
Exercise was always unbearable, I just didn’t understand why.
It triggered sensory overwhelm and panic.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but understanding that has been a game-changer and two years later, I’m healthier and happier.
I’ve faced mental health struggles and battled an eating disorder. But despite it all, I’ve made huge improvements to my health.
I know how intimidating the gym can be, from finding one, booking an induction and walking through those doors for the first time.
That’s why, over the last year, I’ve qualified as a personal trainer. To help people like me, people who need to approach things a bit differently.
Sometimes, I wish I was neurotypical.
But I can’t change that. What I can do is surround myself with people who understand. Because the people you spend time with make a huge difference.
This has been my journey. It’s not been easy but I’ve managed, in my own way.
Now, I work with my clients to help them discover how improving their health and fitness can feel safe and empowering.
My goal is to help neurodivergent people find their own sense of belonging in the gym, and beyond, just like I have.
I never fit the mould of a ‘typical gym-goer’, and you don’t need to fit it either.
Why?
Because I believe that fitness isn’t about fitting in, it’s about finding strength in who you are.
Rhiannon Cooper
Qualified Neurodivergent Personal Trainer in Wolverhampton
Removing barriers to fitness for neurodivergent people.
Doing things the ‘not so typical’ way, because sometimes we just have to.
Not So Typical Mission
Make fitness accessible and enjoyable for all.
Advocate for inclusivity and awareness through story telling & public speaking.
Championing those who need it, in a way that works for them.
Not So Typical Values
Inclusivity by creating environments where everyone feels welcome.
Empowerment by helping others discover their strengths and build confidence.
Authenticity by staying true to ourselves and encouraging others to do the same.
Not ready to commit yet? That’s fine!
Whatever brought you here, I’m here to help. Explore my site to learn more about my personal training, subscribe to my newsletter, or reach out to start a conversation.
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© 2024 Rhiannon Cooper@Not So Typical
