Autism and the gym

Billy87 said:

I can find it an intimidating place, loud music (usually painfully bad RnB, not like it's anything decent like a bit of punk rock), posers, guys with way better bodies than mine etc. It's often put me off getting fit. 

This reflects almost any gym I have ever been to. I use a chain of gyms here in Brazil called SmartFit and they have hundreds of gyms just in my city so as my work takes me to different areas I get to see different ones.

This atmosphere does reflect what the vast majority expect a gym to be and as they make up the majority of the fee paying base then it is only understandabe that it is what the gyms will cater for.

I use decent earphones, my own cleaning stuff for the seats / bars etc and a towel for my own sweat - I just wish others wouldn't use a machine and leave it covered in their stinking body juices when finished.

Seeing others more developed than me gives me the inspiration to keep going - if idiots like them can get a ripped body then I can too - so the onus is on me to make the workout effective. So far it is working.

Some gyms offer quiter sessions and getting to know the manager in charge does help them consider these and publicise them - other people who don't like the loud music will probably also be interested so it can be a selling point albeit with a time window.

When you do become a personal trainer it is worth considering building a knowledge of when the gym is quieter, when there are events that cause it to get busier as people prepare (eg pre marathon) and how to help people cope with the sensory overload.

Sensory wise there is the cleanliness aspect (maybe bringing alcohol spray and cleaning wipes to get them started), noise from the steroid muppets throwing down their weights or grunting like a bull in heat, the music (recommending bringing cordless headhones) and a clean towel (some people hate to sweat). By addressing a lot of these and asking about the persons personal preferences it is likely to lead to a much more effective session.

Some autistic people hate being touched and often training can require this (directing the right grip, helping then they are failing in a rep etc) so it would be good to avoid personal contact if possible or at least advising that it may be required in advance if they are at risk of hurting themselves.

Sometimes even personal space can be a problem which makes it difficult when the gym is busy and cramped or you need to be close to spot them. For these people it is probably better for them to train at home if they possible can.

Lastly remember to agree a signal from them that they are getting close to a meltdown and you need to get them out of there to somewhere they can breathe. You may need to observe them and ask them if they need to break - they sometimes lack the presence of mind to recall the sign when they are struggling.

I do tend to load videos onto my phone to watch on long, boring cardio workouts so this can be a way to overcome the dullness of it.

That's my thoughts on the subject - I hope something is there that you haven't considered yet.

Billy87 said:

I can find it an intimidating place, loud music (usually painfully bad RnB, not like it's anything decent like a bit of punk rock), posers, guys with way better bodies than mine etc. It's often put me off getting fit. 

This reflects almost any gym I have ever been to. I use a chain of gyms here in Brazil called SmartFit and they have hundreds of gyms just in my city so as my work takes me to different areas I get to see different ones.

This atmosphere does reflect what the vast majority expect a gym to be and as they make up the majority of the fee paying base then it is only understandabe that it is what the gyms will cater for.

I use decent earphones, my own cleaning stuff for the seats / bars etc and a towel for my own sweat - I just wish others wouldn't use a machine and leave it covered in their stinking body juices when finished.

Seeing others more developed than me gives me the inspiration to keep going - if idiots like them can get a ripped body then I can too - so the onus is on me to make the workout effective. So far it is working.

Some gyms offer quiter sessions and getting to know the manager in charge does help them consider these and publicise them - other people who don't like the loud music will probably also be interested so it can be a selling point albeit with a time window.

When you do become a personal trainer it is worth considering building a knowledge of when the gym is quieter, when there are events that cause it to get busier as people prepare (eg pre marathon) and how to help people cope with the sensory overload.

Sensory wise there is the cleanliness aspect (maybe bringing alcohol spray and cleaning wipes to get them started), noise from the steroid muppets throwing down their weights or grunting like a bull in heat, the music (recommending bringing cordless headhones) and a clean towel (some people hate to sweat). By addressing a lot of these and asking about the persons personal preferences it is likely to lead to a much more effective session.

Some autistic people hate being touched and often training can require this (directing the right grip, helping then they are failing in a rep etc) so it would be good to avoid personal contact if possible or at least advising that it may be required in advance if they are at risk of hurting themselves.

Sometimes even personal space can be a problem which makes it difficult when the gym is busy and cramped or you need to be close to spot them. For these people it is probably better for them to train at home if they possible can.

Lastly remember to agree a signal from them that they are getting close to a meltdown and you need to get them out of there to somewhere they can breathe. You may need to observe them and ask them if they need to break - they sometimes lack the presence of mind to recall the sign when they are struggling.

I do tend to load videos onto my phone to watch on long, boring cardio workouts so this can be a way to overcome the dullness of it.

That's my thoughts on the subject - I hope something is there that you haven't considered yet.