Speaking Up About Gym Accessibility

About RhiannonGym AccessibilityNot So Typical Fitness
Written By Rhiannon Cooper

Why I Talk About Gym Accessibility

Lately, I keep going viral on TikTok and Instagram for speaking up about gym accessibility.

And with that visibility comes hate.

People tell me I'm a fraud because I'm a fat personal trainer. They say I don't belong in fitness. They think my body disqualifies me from advocating for health and inclusivity.

But the reality is different:

Gyms can be intimidating, overwhelming, and even unbearable for many people. Sensory overload. Unwelcoming atmospheres. Lack of staff training. Poor layouts. These barriers exclude far too many from fitness spaces. And that's not okay.

Everyone deserves access to fitness—no matter their body type, ability, or neurotype.

So I'm here, advocating for you, for me, and for anyone who's ever felt too nervous to take that first step. This isn't just about making gyms "nicer"—it's about making them actually accessible so that fitness becomes available to everyone, not just those who fit the traditional fitness industry mold.

If you've ever experienced gym anxiety or felt like gyms weren't designed for people like you, you're not alone. And you're not wrong.

Watch my videos on YouTube to find out more about my story and why this matters to me.

1. Accessibility and Sensory-Friendly Options

For many neurodivergent people, sensory issues make the gym experience exhausting. The constant barrage of bright fluorescent lights, pounding music, clanging weights, and the unpredictable movements of dozens of people can trigger overwhelm before you've even started your workout.

But simple changes can make a huge difference:

Quiet Hours

Reduced lighting, lowered music, and calmer environments. If your gym doesn't offer these, ask when the quietest times are. Many gyms have naturally quieter periods—early mornings, mid-afternoon weekdays, or late evenings—that can provide a much more manageable sensory environment.

Designated Quieter Zones

Encourage the use of noise-canceling headphones, and place clanging weights away from these areas. Find the quietest spot in your gym and claim it as your space. This might be a corner of the stretching area, a less-traveled section of the free weights, or a specific cardio machine that's away from the main flow of traffic.

I've written extensively about sensory-friendly fitness strategies and sensory-friendly workout modifications that you can implement regardless of whether your gym officially offers accommodations.

Lighting and Air Circulation

Adjustable lighting and good ventilation benefit everyone. I believe every gym should make this standard and explain how to use it. Poor air quality and harsh lighting aren't just uncomfortable—they can trigger migraines, anxiety, and sensory overload that makes exercise impossible.

Not So Typical Top Tip: Ask your gym if they provide sensory-friendly spaces. If not, plant the seed. Conversations create change. The more gyms hear that people need and want these accommodations, the more likely they are to implement them.

2. Staff Inclusion & Accessibility Training

A gym's culture comes down to its people. You can have the most accessible equipment and beautiful facility in the world, but if the staff aren't trained in inclusion, the environment will still feel hostile.

Staff should be trained not just in health and safety, but in empathy and inclusion. At the very least, gyms should provide:

Neurodiversity Awareness

Understanding sensory sensitivities, the importance of routines, and clear communication. Staff need to recognise that someone standing frozen in the middle of the gym floor might not be "lazy" or "confused"—they might be experiencing sensory overload or executive dysfunction.

This is exactly why I'm passionate about my vision to improve gym accessibility—it starts with education.

Empathy Training

Approaching members without judgment or assumptions. Not everyone in the gym is trying to lose weight. Not everyone wants unsolicited advice. Not everyone's goals look the same. Staff need to understand that their role is to facilitate access, not to police bodies or make assumptions about health.

Accessible Communication

Clear, simple instructions for equipment and exercises. This means demonstrating how machines work rather than just pointing at a diagram, using consistent terminology, and being patient when people need information repeated or clarified.

When you visit a gym, pay attention to the staff. Do they answer your questions with patience? Do they seem open to learning? That tells you a lot about how inclusive the space really is.

And remember, you don't have to stay somewhere that doesn't feel right. If staff members are dismissive, condescending, or unwelcoming, that's valuable information. Your comfort and safety matter more than loyalty to a gym membership.

3. Accessible Equipment and Spaces

Many gyms feel cluttered and overwhelming, with machines crammed together, music blaring, and weights clanging on the floor. For someone who is neurodivergent, or even just new to fitness, this can create huge barriers.

But thoughtful design can transform the gym experience and make it more accessible for everyone.

Clear Layouts

Wide pathways, well-organised equipment, and easy-to-read signage make a massive difference. Imagine walking into a gym where every section is clearly labeled—cardio, free weights, stretching area, etc. And where maps are displayed on the walls, available on an app, or even accessible via QR codes on the equipment.

This simple step removes confusion and reduces the anxiety of "not knowing where to go." When I work with clients through my gym-based personal training, one of the first things we do is create a mental map of the space so they always know where they're going.

I cover this extensively in my gym induction guide, which breaks down exactly what to expect and how to navigate gym spaces with confidence.

Noise Limiting Areas

The constant crashing of weights and buzzing of machines can be overwhelming. Gyms can create calmer spaces with rubberised dumbbells, protective mats, and noise-dampening shelving.

These small changes reduce sensory overload while also making the environment safer. Think of it as the difference between walking into a peaceful library versus a noisy nightclub—you'd be far more likely to stay and focus in the calmer setting.

Private or Semi-Private Spaces

Not everyone feels comfortable working out in the middle of a busy gym floor. Having quiet rooms, smaller workout pods, or designated low-stimulation areas can give people the option to exercise without feeling watched or judged.

Another great addition would be "no filming hours" in the main gym, with a separate posing room available for those who want to record content. That way, everyone gets what they need without clashing. The constant concern about appearing in someone's social media content creates an additional layer of anxiety that shouldn't exist in fitness spaces.

Learn the Language Surrounding Accessibility

If you come across a gym that has these features, pay close attention to what works well for you. Is it the clear layout? The reduced noise? The availability of a quieter space? Take note of it all.

Then, when you explore other gyms, you'll know exactly what to look for and what to ask management about. I encourage you to check out my comprehensive post on improving accessibility in gyms for a detailed checklist you can use.

These observations not only help you find a gym where you feel safe and comfortable, but they also give you the language and confidence to advocate for accessibility wherever you go.

4. Finding An Inclusive Gym Environment

Not all gyms are created equal. Some are far more welcoming than others. Here's how to find your fit:

Look local: Community gyms and independents often focus more on people than profits. They're more likely to implement changes based on member feedback and create genuine community rather than treating you as a recurring payment.

Use trial memberships: Test the space before you commit. Most gyms offer day passes or week-long trials. Use this time to visit at different times of day, interact with staff, and notice how the environment feels to your nervous system.

Ask for recommendations: Community groups and friends often know the most inclusive spaces. The free Not So Typical Fitness community regularly shares gym recommendations and experiences from neurodivergent members.

Make a checklist: Separate your must-haves (like quiet hours) from your nice-to-haves. This helps you evaluate options objectively rather than getting overwhelmed by all the features. My gym basics beginners guide includes a comprehensive checklist you can use.

The right environment makes all the difference. Your gym should be a place where you feel safe and supported—not just tolerated.

If you're in the Wolverhampton area and want support navigating gym environments, my Gym Confidence Starter Package includes three sessions specifically designed to help you feel comfortable in gym spaces.

5. How You Can Help Gyms Become More Inclusive

Change doesn't just happen—it grows from conversations and demand. Here's what you can do:

Leave Feedback

Share positive reviews when gyms get it right, and constructive suggestions when they miss the mark. Specific feedback is most helpful: "I love that your gym has rubber-coated dumbbells in the stretching area—it makes that space much calmer" or "I would be more likely to attend classes if there was an option with dimmer lighting and lower music volume."

Speak Up

If you're a regular member, talk to managers about accessibility. Bring specific suggestions and frame them as business opportunities: "I know several people who would join if you offered sensory-friendly hours—there's a real market for this."

Promote Inclusive Gyms

Share them online or with your community. The more we highlight these spaces, the more gyms will follow. Use specific hashtags, tag the gym in posts, and explain exactly what they're doing well so other gyms can learn.

Educate Others

Share resources like this blog post, my accessibility guides, or information about why accessibility matters. The more people understand what accessibility actually means, the more we can collectively demand it.

Small changes start with one voice. Yours matters.

Why I Keep Speaking Up (Even When People Hate It)

I'm not going to stop just because people online call me names or try to discredit me. If anything, it proves exactly why my voice is needed.

Because fitness shouldn't only belong to those who "look the part."

Because being fat doesn't make me a fraud—it makes me human.

Because accessibility is not a trend—it's a necessity.

The fitness industry has spent decades promoting a narrow definition of what a "fit" person looks like, and that definition has excluded millions of people who could benefit from movement. When I show up as a fat, neurodivergent personal trainer, I'm challenging those assumptions simply by existing in this space.

Every hateful comment I receive is proof that we still have work to do. Every person who tells me I don't belong is evidence of exactly why representation matters.

I share more about why my neurodivergence shapes my approach to fitness and what it means to be a neurodivergent personal trainer because visibility creates change.

Change Will Happen

Gym accessibility and inclusivity aren't optional—they're essential.

By prioritising sensory-friendly spaces, training staff properly, and creating accessible layouts, gyms can open their doors to everyone. And when we advocate, share, and support the gyms that get it right, we're helping build a fitness world where no one feels excluded.

Remember: Fitness is for everyone. Accessibility shouldn't be a bonus—it should be the standard.

Ready to Start Your Fitness Journey in an Accessible Space?

If you're in Wolverhampton:

If you're training from home:

Not ready to commit yet?

Want to go deeper? Read more about my vision for changing the fitness industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is gym accessibility important?

Gym accessibility ensures everyone, regardless of body type, neurotype, or ability, can use fitness spaces comfortably. Many gyms are overwhelming due to cluttered layouts, loud noises, and poor staff training. Improving accessibility makes fitness welcoming for all. When we make fitness spaces accessible, we're not just helping a small minority—we're creating better environments that benefit everyone, from beginners to experienced gym-goers.

What are sensory-friendly options in gyms?

Examples include quiet hours with reduced lighting and music, noise-dampened areas with rubberised weights and mats, and good ventilation. These adjustments reduce sensory overload and help members feel more at ease. Other sensory-friendly options include clear signage, predictable layouts, designated quiet zones, and staff who understand sensory needs.

How can gym staff make facilities more inclusive?

Staff can improve inclusivity with training in neurodiversity awareness, empathy, and accessible communication. Clear explanations of equipment and patience when answering questions go a long way. Staff should also be trained to recognise signs of overwhelm, avoid making assumptions about people's goals or abilities, and create an environment where asking for help feels safe rather than shameful.

What equipment or spaces make gyms more accessible?

Gyms that offer wide pathways, clear signage, and quieter or semi-private spaces are more inclusive. Features like "no filming hours" or designated posing rooms also reduce pressure and improve comfort. Other accessibility features include adjustable lighting, good ventilation, rubber-coated equipment to reduce noise, protective flooring, and machines arranged with adequate space between them.

How can members encourage gyms to be more accessible?

Leave constructive feedback, share positive reviews when gyms get it right, and talk to managers about changes. Promoting inclusive gyms online helps encourage others to follow suit. Be specific in your feedback—tell them exactly what would help and frame it as a business opportunity. Many gyms genuinely want to be more inclusive but don't know where to start.

Can I advocate for accessibility even if I'm not neurodivergent or disabled?

Absolutely! Accessibility benefits everyone. If you notice that the gym is too loud, too crowded, or poorly laid out, saying something helps not just you but countless others who might be struggling silently. Allies are essential in creating change, and gyms are more likely to listen when multiple people raise similar concerns.

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Rhiannon Cooper
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