Sensory-Friendly Private Gym Membership

Training with ADHD and ASD: A Gym That Understands and Supports You

Changing the meaning of Strong on the spectrum

Welcome to Strength Block, the perfect gym for neurodiverse individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. We understand your unique needs and have created a private, inclusive environment where you can focus on your fitness goals without the stress of crowds or overwhelming stimuli.

Why Is Catering to People on The Spectrum Important to us?

"When I started my training career, I promoted strength training as a means managing mental health. This was mainly because I had seen the positive impact it had had on my personal mental health - I had always been a person that ran off of simmering anxiety with a healthy dose of depressive episodes that could be kept at bay by lifting heavy weights.

Then, at age 33, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Being on the neurodivergent spectrum allowed me to understand WHY I was the way I was, but one thing didn't change - that exercise was a powerful tool for managing both my mental health and my ADHD symptoms.

Over the years, I have built a loyal client base that was attracted to my "mental health" first messaging, many of who would later be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism.

I never set out to "train neurodiverse" people. It just so happens that they were always my tribe - it just took me a decade to realise why. "

Coach Damien’s journey with adhd.

The video below is a reflection on coach and owner Damien Rabaud’s journey with ADHD. While not strictly about ADHD and training, it should illustrate that we really understand the challenges faced by our neurodiverse community, and will do everything we can to try and acomodate you from a place of empathy and not judgement.

Why Choose us?

The coaches at Strength Block are here to support your neurodiversity sensitivities as well as we can. While at the end of the day, Strength Block is a gym so there’s no way around there being a bit of noise and music, we are more than happy to help you figure out a strategy that fits your needs. For instance, if you are socially anxious or have audial sensitivities, choosing to train at Strength Block at certain times will mean you have the gym to yourself (as a private gym with a limited membership, this is quite common), allowing you to choose the music (or lack of), turn the light off, or what ever you require.

We’ll be honest up front - we don’t have the answers for all the different flavours of neurodiversity, but we would be more than happy to have a chat to see if we can figure out how our gym can support your needs.

Private Gym Experience

Enjoy a calm and controlled environment with a limited number of members, perfect for those with sensory sensitivities.

Tight-Knit Community

Be part of a supportive and judgement-free community where everyone knows your name.

Control Your Environment

Have control over the music and create an atmosphere that suits your preferences.

Focused Equipment:

Our emphasis on barbell strength work means you won’t be overwhelmed by too much gym equipment.

Never FEEL OVERWHELMED OR LOST IN THE GTM.

Included in your membership: The Strength Block App

We know the gym can be overwhelming for anyone - this is expecially true of you fall on the spectrum. As a member of Strength Block, you will always know what you need to do to reach the next step towards your goal - whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, start powerlifting, or look after your just manage your ADHD or ASD symptoms.

The Strength Block App is the result of our years of experience coaching clients, from people brand new to lifting through to record setting powerlifters, and it’s included as part of of our membership.

The app includes:

  • You have access to all of our programs, that range from beginner all the way to advanced lifters. These programs are designed by us, and specifically take advantage of all the equipment we have on offer at Strength Block.

  • You’ll be able to not only track all your workouts within the app, but our advanced programing auto calculates your weights to ensure that you’re making consistent progress.

  • Included in the Strength Block App is our recipe book, which contain a wide range of healthy recipes to keep you on track. All recipes include preparation instructions, calories and their macros.

    The app also includes a built in macro calculator for high, low and moderate carbs splits.

  • The app integrates with both Android and Apple health tracking to ensure a seamless experience for logging steps, weight, nutritional tracking, and more!

membership options

Strength Block MembershIp

$40/ Week

  • Unlimited Access to all programs on the Strength Block App

  • 1x Intro 60 Minute Coaching Session from Damien or Sophie.

  • 24/7 Access to the Private Strength Block Facility

  • Extensive Powerlifting Equipments and no Crowds

  • Expert Coaches to Answer your Questions

  • A Supportive, Inclusive Community

SB Membership + Monthly PT

$55/ Week

  • Unlimited Access to all programs on the Strength Block App

  • Monthly 1-on-1 coaching session with Damien or Sophie.

  • 24/7 Access to the Private Strength Block Facility

  • Extensive Powerlifting Equipments and no Crowds

  • Expert Coaches to Answer your Questions

  • A Supportive, Inclusive Community

Testimonials

Real People. Real Results.

  • Charlotte Clark

    Having a structured plan to follow is essential for me because it removes any uncertainty and makes every workout purposeful and effective.

    I am currently challenging myself with the8-week Blitz plan, which is allowing me to push my limits and achieve new levels of strength and endurance. Having a structured plan to follow is essential for me because it removes any uncertainty and makes every workout purposeful and effective. The RPE calculator feature on the app is particularly helpful in this regard, as it enables me to track my progress and adjust the intensity of my workouts based on my abilities.

  • Nat Lydon

    I loved the different ways I built strength, specifically for powerlifting and still incorporated the conditioning

    Damien coached me for a few years during my powerlifting days. The programming (which is the same programming you find in the Strength Block App) was top knotch and the variety of the training was amazing.

    I loved the different ways I built strength, specifically for powerlifting and still incorporated the conditioning which I enjoy.

    Damien coached me to nationals where I smashed 3 national records. He is a legend and a great support!!

  • Tim Marsh

    I'm in he best shape of my life

    When I got back from Germany, I had to estart my entire life. Training is the pillar of ooking after my mental health and I'd let it lip. Without it, working on any other aspect f my mental health was so difficult. I was overweight and unhappy. 1 year on after using the Strength Block App and I'm in he best shape of my life. I'm strong, I'm appy, and I'm confident in myself again.

    don't feel like this explains just how crazy he difference between now and then is. It's night and day. I'm a totally different person

  • Larissa

    This is a huge help for me getting back into high performance sport

    Can I just say that within the I think last 5 days of doing this on the free trial I have noticed a MASSIVE difference in my core strength and connection along with my pelvic floor. I cannot thank you enough.

    It's hard to find something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg that is gradual and not American... thank you! This is a huge help for me getting back into high performance sport - the confidence I feel using it is amazing as well as how easy this first block is to do in my lounge. Just bloody stoked!

Any questions?

 FAQs: Strength Training and Neurodiversity

  • Strength training offers numerous benefits for individuals with neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and autism. It helps improve focus and mental clarity, reduces anxiety by increasing endorphin production, and enhances overall well-being.

  • Engaging in strength training sharpens the mind by training the brain to concentrate on each lift and rep. This practice enhances attention and minimizes distractions, making it an effective tool for improving focus for those with neurodiversity.

  • Absolutely! Strength training releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that help reduce anxiety levels. This natural boost in mood can make daily challenges more manageable for individuals with neurodiverse conditions.

  • Completing a workout, whether by lifting heavier weights or sticking to a routine, instills a sense of achievement. These small victories reinforce the belief in one’s capabilities, promoting positive reinforcement that can enhance overall well-being.

  • While strength training can be beneficial, it's important for individuals to consult with healthcare or fitness professionals to tailor a program that suits their specific needs and abilities. Fitness should be a positive, personalized journey for everyone.