Adaptive Fitness for Autistic & Neurodivergent Adults with Sherry Shaban

# Adaptive Fitness for Autistic & Neurodivergent Adults

Fitness does not have to mean forcing your body through a generic plan, ignoring pain, or trying to keep up with high-pressure gym culture. In this episode of *The CrazyFitnessGuy Show*, Jimmy Clare talks with Sherry Shaban—an athletic therapist, osteopath, and adaptive fitness coach—about building movement routines that respect injuries, chronic conditions, sensory needs, changing energy, and real-life capacity.

Sherry shares how a life-changing injury reshaped her relationship with movement and why adaptable fitness starts with listening to your body and nervous system. This conversation is for autistic and neurodivergent adults, people managing pain or disability, and anyone who wants a kinder, more sustainable way to move.

## What You’ll Learn

- Why one-size-fits-all fitness plans can create shame, overwhelm, or setbacks.
- How to adapt movement around pain, injuries, disability, sensory needs, and energy.
- Why recovery, rest, and nervous-system regulation belong in a fitness routine.
- How to choose realistic movement options without comparing yourself to “gym people.”
- Ways to build consistency through small, repeatable actions instead of all-or-nothing goals.

## Start Where You Are

A supportive fitness plan works with your body rather than demanding that you override its signals. On different days, you might change the length, intensity, location, sound, lighting, equipment, range of motion, or rest breaks. A gentle walk, seated movement, mobility work, resistance bands, a few stretches, or intentional rest can all be valid choices.

Try choosing one movement option that feels tolerable or interesting, beginning with a few minutes, and stopping while you still have capacity. The goal is repeatability—not punishment or perfection.

## Make Fitness Sensory-Friendly

For autistic and neurodivergent adults, the environment can matter as much as the exercise. Consider using headphones, choosing a quieter time or location, wearing comfortable clothing, reducing bright lighting, preparing a simple routine in advance, or keeping a low-energy fallback option.

A flexible routine is not a lack of discipline. It is a practical way to make movement safer and more sustainable.

## About Sherry Shaban

Sherry Shaban is an athletic therapist, osteopath, and adaptive fitness coach. Her work centers on helping people build a more supportive relationship with movement—especially when injuries, chronic pain, health conditions, or past fitness experiences have made exercise feel inaccessible.

## Explore More

- <a href="https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/videos/gentle-autism-friendly-fitness-with-sherry-shaban-trailer/">Watch the Sherry Shaban trailer</a>
- <a href="https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/videos/beyond-the-cookie-cutter-tailoring-fitness-for-autistic-unique-minds-with-john-daniel/">Explore autism-friendly fitness routines with John Daniel</a>
- <a href="https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/videos/neurodivergent-fitness-adaptable-strategies-without-the-burnout-trap-the-crazyfitnessguyr/">Learn neurodivergent fitness strategies to avoid burnout</a>
- <a href="https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/categories/fitness-gentle-sustainable/">Browse gentle, sustainable fitness resources</a>
- <a href="https://www.crazyfitnessguy.com/videos/">Watch more CrazyFitnessGuy videos</a>
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## Important Note

This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not individualized medical or fitness advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about movement choices that fit your needs.