Autism and gym training - pros and challenges

[Arrokoth]

Hi,

I wanted to write my first general post about going to gym as an autistic person and the benefits and challenges it might bring along.

I've been going to gym (lifting weights) more or less constantly since 2007, when I was 23 years old. Since then I've gained 15-25 kg more weight depending on whether I'm bulking or cutting. It's been a very slow but steady journey and it has become a lifestyle for me.

Sone benefits gym has given from the ASD/ADHD point of view:

- A routine to follow in an otherwise messy life
- A great stress & anxiety reliever
- Increased self confidence (I used to be a small skinny guy and self-conscious about it)
- A way to socialise and a discussion topic for many people
- Generally feeling better about oneself, both mentally and physically, which is important for someone with high self-criticism

Then some challenges:
- Compound movements and learning new exercises can be difficult due to lowered proprioception (sensing and finding the correct body posture and movement)
- Crowded gyms are a no-no (having to constantly ask someone how many sets they have left, having a small personal space, etc.)
- Even as an experienced trainer I often need support for creating and maintaining varying programmes instead of just doing the same familiar and safe exercises every time (thankfully my friend is going to be a personal trainer!)
- There are several possible sources of sensory overload at the gym: loud noises from someone dropping the weights (must they do that?), bright lights when doing bench press, smells, leftover magnesium powder, etc.
- Eating right and having enough sleep are as crucial for muscle development as the train itself, which can be challenging for many in the spectrum

Of course even with those challenges mentioned, I do recommend trying out gym training for example with a buddy. It can do wonders for mental and physical health. And it doesn't have to be serious or very goal-oriented. Let me know what's your gym experience!

 

[Vindiesel]

I do calisthenics at home, I'm lucky enough to have a detached garage with a gym setup. (pullup bar, dip station, Olympic rings, weight vest)

Feels like I'm just floating through life and working out harness some underlying emotions I don't understand and burn them up. Also I have been focusing on my health for the past decade which is paramount to longevity as we all know.

Unfortunately culture sees success and happiness based around a dollar figure and materialism. Instead of mental and physical health which I feel is the true success/wealth + balance work/personal life.

I also walk for 45-60min around the neighborhood every other day and let my thoughts fester/linger which helps as well to unpack some thoughts that were not put in their correct folder.

So with this combination it balances my physical and mental health.

I never was a fan of the gym because I dont care to socialize and or feel everyone is constantly gauging each other competency/physique.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Pros: The dopamine hit, the endorphins, the self confidence, the pain tolerance, the practice of goal-keeping, a goal-oriented thinking, etc.
Cons: The persistent/prolonged inflammation

Keep a log book of every set, rep, and lb/kg
Keep your eyes to yourself
Perfect form on your movements
Don't get distracted with conversation

 

[Aspychata]

Going to the gym has been my one constant source of routine for me. But l prefer the slow times at the gym, l also don't like the meat market gyms where people size each other up.

 

[Vindiesel]

Going to the gym has been my one constant source of routine for me. But l prefer the slow times at the gym, l also don't like the meat market gyms where people size each other up.

You read my mind...that's what I call them too...along with dance clubs haha

 

[tazz]

I had one-to-one sessions with a personal trainer, at her home. Simple setup with rowing machine, weights, bench and a few other things.

I felt anxious and uncomfortable every time but I hadn't considered autism or any "condition" at that time, otherwise I might have mentioned it to her and together we could have worked out a method of training that was more comfortable for me.

For example, when doing bench presses etc, she would be positioned directly overhead and although she was focused on my form and safety, it was super-uncomfortable for me to have her face so close to mine.

My goal was to strengthen up a bit so I could handle my motorcycle off road a little easier (and pick it up out of the mud without injuring myself!) Fully loaded it weighs 250kg, and trying to pick it up while it's trying to roll away and my feet are slipping in the dirt is not easy. After 6 months I felt I was knowledgable enough to carry on the routines by myself - so I bought some equipment and continued at home.

I definitely could not have contemplated a gym environment for all the reasons you've mentioned.

 

[Arrokoth]

I go to gyms that are run by the city or the university, which means there's a variety of people and a minority of those who go there to show off. I doubt if I'd notice much even if there was some "meat market competition" going on. I just find that those guys tend to be very noisy and I avoid gyms where they go.

It's really awesome to have your own gym setup for those times when you really want to have your own space and time. I actually do like to socialize at the gym, recently I ended up chatting with a foreign guy who is recovering from a serious accident and he told me his life story in 15 minutes. My problem is that my small talk skills aren't very good and I don't know how to end a conversation smoothly, and that's why I sometimes prefer to avoid people even though I'd like to chat a bit (and even though chatting does cause a terrible distraction for me, I forget what I was doing ).

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I lived on a farm when I was younger, so we had weights. in the basement worked out with my brothers, after marriage joined gyms some weights running finally got own house kids left know turned one bedroom into home gym. Weight machine stationary bike, must admit I mis the variety of machines and free weights available at a public gym.

I go to gyms that are run by the city or the university, which means there's a variety of people and a minority of those who go there to show off. I doubt if I'd notice much even if there was some "meat market competition" going on. I just find that those guys tend to be very noisy and I avoid gyms where they go.

It's really awesome to have your own gym setup for those times when you really want to have your own space and time. I actually do like to socialize at the gym, recently I ended up chatting with a foreign guy who is recovering from a serious accident and he told me his life story in 15 minutes. My problem is that my small talk skills aren't very good and I don't know how to end a conversation smoothly, and that's why I sometimes prefer to avoid people even though I'd like to chat a bit (and even though chatting does cause a terrible distraction for me, I forget what I was doing ).

When I went to public gyms I would just talk to my wife, keep to myself read the latest issue of scientific America on a stationary bike, and ignore the posing going on around me. Stroke made things a bir more difficult.

 

[Arrokoth]

I lived on a farm when I was younger, so we had weights. in the basement worked out with my brothers, after marriage joined gyms some weights running finally got own house kids left know turned one bedroom into home gym. Weight machine stationary bike, must admit I mis the variety of machines and free weights available at a public gym.

When I went to public gyms I would just talk to my wife, keep to myself read the latest issue of scientific America on a stationary bike, and ignore the posing going on around me. Stroke made things a bir more difficult.

I'm sorry to hear the stroke made going to gym more difficult. Are you still going?

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I Have a home gym The hospital doctor had prescribed a pill that slowly atrophied my left leg had to do physio to restrengthen it Sort of back to normal now as it warms so so I can walk outside. I'm not impressed with medical profession.

 

[synthgalaxy]

Hello

I can completely relate to this topic. I also have a keen interest in weight training. I have made significant increases in not only my strength, but also my confidence!

I am passionate about encouraging others because the advantages and benefits of training are really comprehensive.

I like to keep my training basic, focusing mostly on compound exercises structured around a push-pull system, two days per week.

The only negative aspect I can really say is that sometimes, not always, training makes sleeping a little tricky on the training day. With that said I also have ADHD so it could be my mind running at 100mph

I love the structure, routine and discipline training provides!