Dyspraxia and gym

[Mattais]

Hi all,
I'm new on here and wanted to see if anyone has any advice/experiences the same thing.

I have just finished a PT session and we spent around 30 mins on one exercise. I really struggled to get the technique, involving keeping your shoulders back and your chest open whilst bending and lifting weights. It's something I regular struggle with. Although my PT is patient and tries to explain the technique in different ways I end up getting frustrated at myself and my confidence goes, effecting self esteem. it's like a cycle.

Just wanted to see if anyone is experiences the same thing and how you 'get over/through it'

Thanks

[Nobarrierstraining]

Hi there,

I went through the same thing and same issues re keeping chest out and shoulders back when weightlifting.

It took about eight weeks of working with my PT before it got easier but regards to shoulders, I visualise myself squeezing an egg between my shoulder blades and that helps with keeping the shoulders back.

In terms of keeping the chest open I just imagine myself being very proud about something and it helps to keep it open.

I've just qualified as a personal trainer, because of how useful I found PT.

Hope this helps somewhat!

[Mattais]

Thank you for the tips. Really appreciate it and it is nice to hear other people experiencing same thing as I tend to give myself a hard time.

[sarah-cg]

Hi Mattius,

I like to stick to gym “equipment”, like rowing machine, bikes, weights that are on a frame to guide you through the right movement. It might not be for everyone but I find it helps to have my motion guided.

[Joe Suarez]

It's not uncommon to struggle with certain exercises or movements during physical training, especially when they involve complex techniques or require a high level of coordination. Here are some tips that may help you overcome this challenge:

Practice: Repetition is key when it comes to mastering a technique. Keep practicing the exercise with your PT, and try doing it on your own as well. The more you do it, the more comfortable and confident you'll become.

Break it down: Sometimes, trying to do the whole exercise at once can be overwhelming. Ask your PT to break it down into smaller, more manageable steps, and focus on mastering one step at a time before moving on to the next.

Visualize: Visualize yourself performing the exercise correctly in your mind before actually doing it. This can help you develop a better understanding of the technique and improve your muscle memory.

Use props: Sometimes, using props such as resistance bands or stability balls can help you get a better feel for the exercise and improve your technique.

Be patient: Remember that it takes time to master a new exercise or movement. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and celebrate small improvements along the way.

Communicate with your PT: Let your PT know how you're feeling and what you're struggling with. They may be able to offer additional tips or modifications to help you improve your technique.

Remember, everyone struggles with certain exercises at some point in their training journey. The key is to stay patient, keep practicing, and don't let frustration or self-doubt hold you back.

[sarahfran32333]

Hello, I am new here but have often wondered if I had dyspraxia. When completing the questionnaire to test I could not help laughing as so many things resonated. I am 52 years young female who has always suffered quite embarrassing coordination problems so did not really challenge myself in P.E. at school & as an adult luckily do not embarrass as easily as perhaps I should. I remember my last foray into exercise jazz dance (complete with tap shoes) meant I left early in tears as I felt like a duck. I have not pushed myself/tested much as an adult - always had low esteem/confidence for driving lessons & one instructor asked genuinely if I had injured my arm as a child - my friends said he was being sarcastic but I asked my mum if she had noticed anything different about me!!! Also, I could not sit still for the hour's lesson as my back felt awkward & I tended to leave my arms & legs outstretched like hovering near the pedals so felt very unnatural.

As a child I was an introverted loner, youngest of 3, two brothers, and my mother indulged me by letting my stay off primary school, my secondary teachers accepted me but never pushed me to do P.E. other than just turn up as I could never really complete any coordinated movements enough e.g. to serve at tennis, cookery and home economic courses were excruciating & I used to contemplate playing hooky to avoid my perceived humiliation.

The reason why I am making contact really is because I have just failed the physical intervention part of training to be a door supervisor as I could not follow/replicate the tutor's requests to do the physical intervention moves on someone and I realise not being able to follow exercise programs is going to hold me back - from getting fit as I need to do this to lose weight for my own good but more importantly I am trying to settle on a new career at my tender age which means taking on my physical coordination challenges. These are exciting times and I need to put my best foot forward - as I have opportunities to be a general Cover Teacher at a secondary school known for its performing arts record (how ironic!!) and an offer from HM Prisons subject to fitness!!!

Can anyone guide me as to what general sports / exercises / self-help I might do rather than potentially have to put a label on my "condition" or maybe I should? Perhaps then I could get people to make allowances/accommodation rather than just feel that I am at a social disadvantage or worse in certain settings? The one people laugh at... Sometimes not for all the tea in china could I hope to be able to do ballroom dancing or even simpler coordinated activities....

Thanks for your advice.

[Tom fod]

Hello, I am new here but have often wondered if I had dyspraxia. When completing the questionnaire to test I could not help laughing as so many things resonated. I am 52 years young female who has always suffered quite embarrassing coordination problems so did not really challenge myself in P.E. at school & as an adult luckily do not embarrass as easily as perhaps I should. I remember my last foray into exercise jazz dance (complete with tap shoes) meant I left early in tears as I felt like a duck. I have not pushed myself/tested much as an adult - always had low esteem/confidence for driving lessons & one instructor asked genuinely if I had injured my arm as a child - my friends said he was being sarcastic but I asked my mum if she had noticed anything different about me!!! Also, I could not sit still for the hour's lesson as my back felt awkward & I tended to leave my arms & legs outstretched like hovering near the pedals so felt very unnatural.

As a child I was an introverted loner, youngest of 3, two brothers, and my mother indulged me by letting my stay off primary school, my secondary teachers accepted me but never pushed me to do P.E. other than just turn up as I could never really complete any coordinated movements enough e.g. to serve at tennis, cookery and home economic courses were excruciating & I used to contemplate playing hooky to avoid my perceived humiliation.

The reason why I am making contact really is because I have just failed the physical intervention part of training to be a door supervisor as I could not follow/replicate the tutor's requests to do the physical intervention moves on someone and I realise not being able to follow exercise programs is going to hold me back - from getting fit as I need to do this to lose weight for my own good but more importantly I am trying to settle on a new career at my tender age which means taking on my physical coordination challenges. These are exciting times and I need to put my best foot forward - as I have opportunities to be a general Cover Teacher at a secondary school known for its performing arts record (how ironic!!) and an offer from HM Prisons subject to fitness!!!

Can anyone guide me as to what general sports / exercises / self-help I might do rather than potentially have to put a label on my "condition" or maybe I should? Perhaps then I could get people to make allowances/accommodation rather than just feel that I am at a social disadvantage or worse in certain settings? The one people laugh at... Sometimes not for all the tea in china could I hope to be able to do ballroom dancing or even simpler coordinated activities....

Thanks for your advice.

Hi Sarah and welcome

Always better to start a new post to be noticed and you are worthy of that! We do often feel like outsiders and tend to compare ourselves to the point it seriously harms our confidence and self-esteem.

I would encourage you to find a gym/personal trainer who understands dyspraxia, such people do exist and some are dyspraxic too!

The Prison Service or other civi service employers are more open to people declaring dyspraxia/suspected dyspraxia though you'd still need to meet those fitness criteria learn physical intervention/restraint techniques and perform these as part of a team effort. There are dyspraxics doing these kinds of things and some have posted here in response to similar questions from others.

We're all different so without knowing you it's difficult to say what sorts of activities would get you the results you want. Probably more critical is finding a patient instructor and an environment where you feel less self-conscious about your abilities (or lack thereof) and can start to put memories of the times you were laughed at and the associated anxieties to permanent rest.

[stacyschrist]

As someone who's struggled with dyspraxia myself, I understand the difficulties of finding a gym or personal trainer who's knowledgeable and patient. It's great to hear that there are trainers out there who understand dyspraxia and can help guide you through your fitness journey.If you're looking for employment in certain fields, it's good to know that declaring dyspraxia/suspected dyspraxia might be beneficial, especially in places like the Prison Service or other civil service jobs. However, the most important thing is finding an instructor and environment that make you feel comfortable and supported. Don't let past negative experiences hold you back from achieving your fitness goals. On a side note, have you checked out [Advertising URL removed by Admin]? They have some amazing garden gyms that are both fancy and modern, perfect for anyone looking to work out in the comfort of their own backyard.

[stacyschrist]

Don't worry, everybody goes trough this when they start going to the gym

[montabatoro]

Welcome to the forum! Don't worry; you're not alone in facing technique challenges. I've been there too. It's all about practice and patience. Your PT sounds great; keep communicating your struggles with them. Over time, you'll build confidence, and those exercises will become second nature. Also, being in an accepting gym group [Illegal url removed by Admin Poster Banned] helps. Stay positive!

[Jonah Dwight]

I totally get how frustrating that can be. Sometimes learning a new movement takes time, especially when it comes to posture and technique. One thing that helps is breaking the movement into smaller parts and focusing on each part individually, like keeping your shoulders back before adding the weights. You could also try some mobility work to help with positioning. Just remember, everyone goes through this—it’s part of the process. Stick= with it, and you'll see progress !

[Chuma]

I’ve definitely been there. When I first started lifting, I struggled a lot with my form too, especially with keeping my shoulders back. It’s super easy to get frustrated and feel like you’re not making progress. What helped me was slowing down and practicing the movements without any weights—just focusing on the posture. It might sound cheesy, but celebrating small wins, like getting the form right for one rep, really helped boost my confidence. Just remember, it’s totally normal to have ups and downs, so be kind to yourself.

[Philip]

Me and my Dad used to go to the gym once per week back in 2019 , and not been back since.

I had a frozen shoulder back in 2021

I struggled with some of the equipment , my favourites the running machine, bike and the rowing, I liked the running machine and the bike because you could watch tv or surf the Internet at the same time.

[lia1983]

Hello, greetings to everyone. Where can I find a test to find out if I have dyspraxia? I am 41 years old and I am clumsy.

[Tom fod]

Hello, greetings to everyone. Where can I find a test to find out if I have dyspraxia? I am 41 years old and I am clumsy.

Hi and welcome

There's a screening questionnaire here.(others exist)
https://exceptionalindividuals.com/cand ... quiz-test/

viewforum.php?f=14

In order to provide a more useful/appropriate answer to your question please can you advise your location (country/region) and current circumstances (in full time education? Employed /unemployed? )