If you’re on the spectrum, your experience of going to the gym might be a bit different from a neurotypical person’s. Maybe you’re more irritated by the noise or get extra overwhelmed by the crowds. Whatever the case, here are some tips that might help neurodivergent people in the gym.
Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Gyms can get extremely noisy between all of the grunting people, loud music, and the sound of weights being dropped on the ground. If you’re worried about getting overstimulated by all of these sounds, noise-canceling headphones will be your new best friend. Not only can you choose the music that motivates you most, but you can also drown out all of that outside noise.
Do Your Own Workouts
Another suggestion is to avoid the group workout classes and work out instead alone, with a personal trainer, or with a single gym buddy. Group classes are crowded and loud by nature, and the high energy might be too much.
Try Ear Plugs
If you do want to go to a group fitness class, or if you don’t want to listen to your own music, another option is to get earplugs that still let in sound, but muffle loud noises.
Go During Slow Hours
One more option is to join a gym that is open early and/or late and go during the hours that it’s less busy, like early in the morning or late at night.
