Going to the gym as a neurodiverse individual
Going to the gym as a neurodiverse individual
Get-Fit Guy is hosted by Kevin Don. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
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Hi and welcome back to Get Fit Guy, Kevin Don here. This week I want to chat a bit about neurodiversity, challenges to training which could be particular to this and also what could be considered ‘reasonable adjustments’ to facilitate an environment that more people may feel comfortable in.
First of all, let’s address what neurodiversity is, so we have a better understanding of what this means. So, first of all, to make sure the small detail specifics are covered, everyone is neurodiverse in the broad sense. By that, I mean that the structures of our brain, our neurology is as unique as a fingerprint. Right now, there are no two brains alike. By 2075, we may be able to map and upload a human mind, according to Oxford academic, Nick Bostrom. But that is for a different show, I am not sure right now how I could get away with reframing human level artificial general intelligence and existential risk as fitness, although I would give it a damn good try. Right now, no two neurologies are identical. So, by definition, everyone is neurodiverse.
But for the context of this episode, I am referring to the term as it was coined by the Australian sociologist, Judy Singer. That is, it was intended to represent ‘neurological minorities’ and is typically a term used to refer to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD or other neurological or developmental conditions. As the word spectrum may suggest, there is a broad range of different characteristics. Some people can have an inability to maintain eye contact, whilst others may not. When it comes to accessing a gym environment, there are some factors that may be detrimental to neurodiverse clients.
Firstly, I want to note that some of the things I would object to myself, are things that I might consider to be challenging to anyone. I’ll give an example. A client of mine is a CrossFit coach in the U.S. and aside from me being her coach, I also do coaching education calls with her to assist her learning. In one video she sent me from a class in her gym, I noticed several things: Firstly, almost all male clients in the class were training topless. Secondly, they were all clanging and banging, that is, they were just dropping weights on the floor from overhead. Finally, the music playing in the gym was very loud, expletive laden German death metal. On the face of it, one may say ok and that’s how the gym is. But my perspective is more ‘zoomed out’. I look at things objectively and say: let’s take a hypothetical scenario. In this scenario we have a potential new client of the gym. This potential client has never been in a gym because they feared the idea of all the weights areas and people and the fact everyone else might (at least in their mind) be super fit. They find the idea of the gym intimidating. However, in their recent medical check up, the doctor has recommended they take up a regimen of training. They pluck up the courage to drive up to the gym and come in to find out more. What they are confronted with is: a loud environment with aggressive music, with what could be considered offensive lyrics and multiple clients slamming barbells and shouting, all the while bare chested.
This environment could be considered off-putting indeed. For a neurodiverse client, maybe even more so. One of the more common hallmarks of neurodiversity is sensory issues. This may be a sensitivity to smells, to certain fabrics and definitely to sounds. Many places that a neurodiverse person (this is a good spot to say that advocacy agencies prefer to use the term ‘a person with autism’, but research studies show that the community itself prefers ‘autistic person’. Language matters and one person may prefer one term over another, so it could be good to check). Anyway, many places a neurodiverse person may encounter sensory overload have protocols in place. Disney parks, for example, have quiet areas where those experiencing a cognitive overload can take a break. They also allow (where possible- some rides are prohibitive by nature) noise cancelling headphones to be worn on rides. They even have a system where you can mark your spot in the queue and then wait in an area less populated until it’s your turn.
However, I have never been in a gym that had, let’s say a ‘quiet class’ or a ‘quiet hour’ in the gym for those clients with sensory challenges. I don’t see why not, I don’t remember the last time I was in the gym and didn’t see people wearing headphones listening to their own music. So why not have an hour a day or a couple of times a week, where the loud background music is muted? It doesn’t have to be all the time, but no reasonable adjustment at all makes a gym inaccessible to many. I know of many gyms that have ladies only classes to accommodate their female population that might not want to work out in front of men. So why not a class where things are less loud and shouty to assist neurodiverse customers? Maybe it’s because you can’t ask someone about disability and neurodiversity is typically invisible. But with U.S. figures claiming that 1 in 36 people have some from of neurodivergence, if you have a gym with a couple of hundred members, you may have more neurodiverse clients than you think and they would greatly appreciate some adjustments where possible, to allow them to access the health benefits of physical training and the social interaction/ community that a gym or sport may bring.
So, in the absence of most gyms (I have personally never, in visiting over 500 gyms across 18 countries, never come across one) having any kind of reasonable adjustment in place for neurodiverse clients, what can one do to make gym visits manageable?
So, the first tip would be that if you can afford to do so, to invest in a comfortable pair of noise cancelling headphones. Some of the over ear headphones may be more challenging to wear during high intensity functional stuff, so in ear ones may suit you better. Next is to consider reducing any other sensory issues you may have to give you more capacity for noise. That might include making sure clothes are very comfortable and not a sensory challenge for you. You could also consider a fidget toy, which you could carry in your pocket and could reduce stress and anxiety. You may also consider if it is possible for you to make your schedule free during off peak hours at the gym. Less people around to make noise may help a lot. Finally, if your finances can afford it, you could consider one on one training in a smaller, boutique gym or have a trainer come to your house.
If you have any neurodiverse training tips, email me and let me know!
As always, thank you for listening and send any fun emails to me at getfitguy@quickanddirtytips.com
Get-Fit Guy is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast. Thanks to the team at Quick and Dirty Tips Morgan Christianson, Holly Hutchings, the director of podcasts Brannan Goetschius and Davina Tomlin.. I’m your host, Kevin Don. If you have a question for me, leave me a voicemail at 510-353-3104 or send me an email at getfitguy@quickanddirtytips.com. For more information about the show, visit quickanddirtytips.com, or check out the shownotes in your podcast app