Commodifying Fitness for Autistic Individuals: A Critique of the Industry-Focused Approach
In a recent Forbes article titled “Embracing The Inclusion Of Physical Activity For Autistic Individuals,” author Jennifer Palumbo explores the challenges and opportunities associated with promoting fitness and wellness within the autistic community. Whilst the article raises important points about the benefits of physical activity and the barriers to access faced by many autistic individuals, its framing of the issue as one that can be solved primarily through the development of a specialised fitness industry warrants closer examination.
On the surface, the article appears to advocate for greater inclusion and accessibility, highlighting the “concerning link between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and a higher risk of an inactive lifestyle and obesity.” However, as we delve deeper into the content, it becomes clear that the primary focus is on the role of the fitness industry in addressing these challenges. The article emphasises the need for fitness organisations and instructors to “educate themselves about the importance of inclusion” and to “create programs that benefit different populations while incorporating everyone.”
Whilst these goals are laudable, the article’s industry-centric approach raises several concerns. By positioning autistic individuals as a market to be tapped, rather than a community with inherent rights to access and inclusion, the article risks perpetuating the commodification of well-being and the idea that fitness is a matter of consumer choice rather than a fundamental right. Moreover, by placing the onus on the fitness industry to solve a complex social issue, the article diverts attention away from the broader, systemic changes needed to promote true accessibility and equity.
As we explore these issues further, it is important to center the voices and experiences of autistic individuals themselves, and to consider alternative approaches to promoting physical activity and wellness that prioritize community-driven, rights-based solutions over market-based interventions. By shifting our focus in this way, we can work towards a more authentic and transformative vision of inclusion and empowerment for all members of society.
My fitness journey as an autistic person
As an autistic person, my path to physical fitness has been a unique and winding one, shaped by my sensory experiences and the need for self-regulation. I’ve been active for my whole life, but as it relates to this discussion, we can say that it began in my late teens when I discovered Tai Chi and Qi Gong as complementary practices to my wrestling training. Little did I know that these ancient Chinese arts would become a cornerstone of my well-being and a source of profound comfort and joy.
From the moment I began practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong, I was drawn to their calming, fluid movements and the sense of inner tranquility they provided. The slow, deliberate motions and focused breathing felt like a soothing balm to my often overwhelmed senses. As I moved through the forms, I found myself entering a state of deep relaxation and mindfulness, a welcome respite from the chaos and intensity of the world around me.
Over time, I began to notice that my stimming behaviours, those happy-flappy repetitive movements and actions that help me self-regulate, were becoming increasingly intertwined with the flowing, rhythmic patterns of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The gentle, sweeping arm movements, the precise footwork, and the controlled breathing became a natural extension of my body’s need for sensory regulation. Through these practices, I found a way to channel my stims into a purposeful, meditative form of movement that brought me both physical and emotional balance.
In stark contrast to the peace and grounding I find in Tai Chi and Qi Gong, my experiences in industrial gym settings have been marked by sensory overload and emotional discomfort. The harsh lighting, clanging weights, and pulsing music create an environment that feels assaultive to my senses. My alexithymia combined with my hyper-empathy, leaves me feeling overwhelmed and drained by the intense energy and emotions of those around me in these spaces.
For me, the key to maintaining a consistent and fulfilling fitness practice has been to prioritize my sensory needs and to seek out environments and activities that align with my natural inclinations and sensitivities. Tai Chi and Qi Gong (along with Система) have become my anchors, providing a soothing, stimming-friendly form of exercise that nourishes both my body and my mind. They have taught me the value of listening to my inner rhythms and honoring my unique ways of moving through the world.
Система
Система, or Systema (the system), is a Russian martial art that I have found deeply resonates with my sensory needs and provides a pathway to physical and emotional well-being. Similar to Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Система emphasises natural, fluid movements, breath control, and relaxation. It offers a holistic approach to fitness that seamlessly integrates physical training with mindfulness and self-regulation. What drew me to Система is its focus on adaptability, intuition, and self-discovery – qualities that align well with my needs and strengths as an autistic individual.
As an instructor of Система, I cherish the opportunity to share this transformative practice with others and create a welcoming, inclusive space for individuals with diverse sensory experiences and needs. When teaching, I place a strong emphasis on the self-regulatory and sensory-attuned aspects of the art. By doing so, I aim to help my students cultivate a deeper sense of body awareness, emotional balance, and self-expression. It brings me great joy to witness their personal growth and the positive impact that Система has on their lives.
Moreover, I recognise that my role as an autistic instructor of Система challenges stereotypes and assumptions about the capabilities and interests of autistic individuals. It is a powerful demonstration that with the right approach and environment, autistic people can not only participate in, but also excel in and lead others in meaningful physical practices.
My personal journey through wrestling, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Система has been a testament to the value of personal exploration and the importance of finding practices that resonate with one's unique sensibilities and needs. It has shown me that, as an autistic individual, I have the power to forge my own path to wellness, outside of the mainstream fitness industry. By embracing practices that align with my sensory needs and promote self-regulation, I have found a sense of wholeness, balance, and joy that I never thought possible.
On the dark side …
As an autistic person, I am deeply aware of the increased risks of bullying and violence that many in our community face. Research has consistently shown that autistic people are more likely to be targeted by those who seek to exploit our differences and vulnerabilities. I, myself, was bullied relentlessly as a child and was already getting in fistfights in elementary school (the 70’s were rough times). This harsh reality underscores the importance of equipping ourselves with the tools and skills necessary to protect our physical and emotional well-being.
This is where the martial aspects of ancient practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Система come into play. Whilst these arts are often celebrated for their meditative and self-regulatory qualities, it is crucial to recognise their immense practical value in self-defense situations. The fluid, natural movements and heightened awareness cultivated through these practices can be readily adapted to respond to physical threats and keep ourselves safe in moments of danger.
One of the most empowering aspects of learning these martial arts is the opportunity to engage with them in a playful, non-threatening environment. By approaching self-defense training with a sense of exploration and creativity, autistic individuals can develop life-saving skills in a manner that feels organic and enjoyable. This approach allows us to build confidence in our abilities and trust in our instincts, without being overwhelmed by the intensity or pressure often associated with traditional martial arts training.
Moreover, the self-defense applications of these arts extend beyond just physical techniques. The heightened sensory awareness, improved proprioception, and enhanced ability to read body language that come from practicing Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Система can be invaluable in identifying and avoiding potentially dangerous situations. By attuning ourselves to our environment and the subtle cues of those around us, we can often prevent conflicts before they escalate into physical confrontations.
It is important to acknowledge that the need for self-defense skills is a reflection of the broader societal issues of ableism, discrimination, and violence against marginalised communities. Whilst it is essential that we work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting world, we must also empower ourselves with the tools to navigate the challenges we face in the present.
By embracing the martial aspects of these ancient practices and incorporating self-defense training into our wellness journeys, autistic individuals can reclaim a sense of agency and control over our own safety. We can find strength in our unique ways of moving and perceiving the world, and use these gifts to protect ourselves and others. In doing so, we not only enhance our physical security but also nurture a deep sense of self-confidence and resilience that radiates into all aspects of our lives.
As I continue to explore and share the transformative power of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Система, I am committed to emphasising the vital role that self-defense plays in the overall well-being of the autistic community. By providing a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming space for autistic individuals to cultivate these skills, I hope to empower others to take charge of their own safety and flourish in a world that is not always understanding or accommodating of our needs. The reality is that these skills may one day literally save our lives, and that is a powerful motivation to embrace the martial aspects of these ancient practices.
Final thoughts
As we conclude this exploration of the Forbes article and its implications, it is crucial to recognise how such narratives often perpetuate a dangerous and unjust paradigm – one that places the blame for systemic failures squarely on the shoulders of individuals, particularly those from marginalised communities like the autistic population.
By framing the challenges faced by autistic individuals as personal deficiencies to be overcome through industry-driven solutions, these articles effectively absolve society of its responsibility to create inclusive, accessible, and equitable environments. They shift the burden onto autistic people to navigate and adapt to a world that is fundamentally hostile to our needs and ways of being, rather than demanding that the world change to accommodate us.
This individualistic approach is not only deeply unfair but also ultimately futile. No amount of specialised fitness programs or targeted interventions can address the root causes of the discrimination, exclusion, and marginalisation that autistic individuals face on a daily basis. These are systemic issues that require systemic solutions – solutions that prioritise the dismantling of ableist structures and the creation of truly inclusive communities.
Moreover, by selling us “cures” for our supposed deficiencies, these narratives perpetuate the notion that autism is something to be fixed or eliminated, rather than a fundamental aspect of our identity and a valuable form of human diversity. They reinforce the idea that we must change ourselves to fit into a narrow, neurotypical mold, rather than celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives we bring to the world.
This is not to say that autistic individuals do not face real challenges or that we do not benefit from support and accommodations. However, the solutions to these challenges must be grounded in a recognition of our inherent worth and dignity, and a commitment to creating a society that values and includes us as we are.
This means investing in accessible public spaces, inclusive education and employment practices, and community-based supports that prioritise our agency and self-determination. It means challenging ableist attitudes and assumptions at every level of society and working to create a culture that celebrates neurodiversity as a vital form of human variation.
Ultimately, the path to true wellness and empowerment for autistic individuals lies not in the commodification of our struggles, but in the transformation of the toxic systems that create and perpetuate them. It lies in the recognition that our worth is inherent and unconditional, and that we deserve to live in a world that accepts and values us as we are.
As we move forward, let us reject the false solutions and empty promises of industry-driven narratives, and instead work together to build a society that truly honors the diversity of the human experience. Let us demand not just individual accommodations, but systemic change – change that recognises the beauty and value of neurodiversity, and that creates a world in which all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.
Only then can we hope to break free from the cycles of blame and oppression that seek to keep us trapped, and create a future in which wellness is not a commodity to be sold, but a fundamental right to be upheld and celebrated for all.