Published on 12, July, 2020
I normally link negative experiences to the fact that I’m autistic and tend to think about how I struggle with things.
Gyms are places I find overwhelming, bright lights, lots of people, no idea what I’m actually doing.
I’ve found a gym with soft lighting, who gave me a timetable of times the gym is generally less busy and took the time free of charge to show me equipment I would realistically use.
I have now attended a few yoga classes with the same instructor who without prompt, changes the lights from spotlights, does not use music, switches on and off the AC so there is limited noise and it is only on when required.
He also does not give vague instructions about breathing and is literal in the timings and gives options for you to find which rhythm suits you best. He does a meditation at the end where he talks quite literally and tells you to think of situations where you believed you felt (.e.g joy, proud, safe) and asks you to recognise what you physically feel in your body to help recognise these emotions and generate them.
I hope that as there is more awareness and acceptance that more gym instructors will operate this way as I used to believe that I hated all forms of exercise.
I wondered if there is any other autistic females who enjoy physical fitness who are able to share what works for them and how to communicate this so I could perhaps find more things that I enjoy.
I am an Autistic and ADHD womxn, and have enjoyed Restorative yoga (where you use cushions and other props to support your body whilst you stay in a pose for a long time. - some classes might include this anyway, but I think if you have been burnt out or experience a lot of physical stress in the body it can be a comfort, or perhaps if you are depressed. (Also great at any other time)
Depending on what you are looking for from it, if you get comfortable with listening to your own bodies needs while you are doing it - e.g. my knees feel sore in this position so I can fold the edge of my May to make it thicker, or put my hand up and see if the teacher has something alternate I can try - it seems to give a sense of control, not just over your body, but in a healthy way.
Balancing postures can feel very empowering.
With all of it, I would say be brave to try some different classes and importantly teachers, if your not getting much from it, as it varies widely.
There are some great online tutors, I'm sure others have their own. Yoga with Adrienne, although a celebrity yoga teacher now, they are a really good teacher in the way they describe movements quite literally, and have a welcoming approach that isn't about yoga as a completion to be git, or the perfect person.
So grateful yoga found its way across the world, its so valuable.
I think anyone who is unsure about it, could try a fee different varieties, as it varies so much. Not for everyone, but its something I always go back to and am grateful for, in difficult times especially, it can mean a lot.
I feel its good to learn about where it came from, not only from a respect and awareness point of view, but the histories can be very interesting.
Bit of a speel there, I enjoyed your post and reading everyone's comments.
Crys
Apologies Sam, late to the party with my comment, would you want to share an update on your yoga/ excersize journey?
Apologies for all the typos, hopefully it makes for a clue finding read.