Bearing the Load of Neurodivergence
The weight of being different can feel overwhelming. I was born divergent, and for much of my life, carrying that uniqueness has often felt like bearing an unyielding 500-pound barbell. It presses down on every movement, making it hard to breathe and immobilizing me as I struggle to rise above the challenges. Embracing the Neurodivergent Gift As someone with neurodiverse traits, my brain functions in unique ways that significantly influence how I interpret, process, and interact with the world around me. Being gifted does not imply that I excel in every area; rather, it means that I have strong abilities in certain aspects while also facing real challenges in others. My upbringing was marked by instability, unresolved trauma, and abuse, which intensified my feelings of erasure. Lacking meaningful support, my inner world turned into a place of confusion and growing disconnection. From a young age, I felt like I was living alongside the world instead of being fully part of it, constantly searching for a sense of belonging in a society that was unprepared to accommodate minds like mine. These experiences left deep emotional scars that shaped my understanding of connection, safety, and self-worth. Navigating a Neurotypical World Social situations, daily interactions, subtle social cues, and language have often made me feel like I was attending a party to which I had never been invited but kept showing up nonetheless. As a child, I struggled with excessive absences from school, which even led to involvement from a truancy officer. For years, I invested energy into masking—hiding the parts of myself that didn’t align with neurotypical standards. This continual self-erasure was not only exhausting but also isolating, leading to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and shame. The pressure to conform and suppress my identity in order to meet external expectations left me emotionally depleted and questioning my intrinsic worth. Finding Power in Pain Within my pain, I discovered my power. Adversity became a crucible, forging resilience, insight, and compassion in me. The experiences that once made me feel broken laid the foundation for a deeper connection both with myself and with others. What I once viewed as weakness turned into the building blocks of my strength. My challenging experiences have fostered deep empathy and provided me with an understanding of hardship, resilience, and marginalization, enabling me to connect with others navigating similar paths. Celebrating Neurodivergence Through personal reflection, acceptance, healing, and growth, I’ve come to celebrate my neurodivergency. What once felt like a curse has revealed itself as my greatest asset. These same differences that once isolated me now fuel my creativity, inspire my curiosity, and grant me a unique lens through which I see the world and science . My neurodivergence has become my superpower, driving me to imagine boldly, think unconventionally, and envision solutions and possibilities from a perspective that would not be considered. Reflecting on this journey brings to mind the words of Albert Einstein, a brilliant neurodivergent thinker, who once said, “I am thankful to everyone who said no—because of them, I am doing it myself.” That sentiment echoes in my journey. Each rejection, each obstacle, became a stepping stone. When acknowledged and transformed, adversity does not signal defeat but rather initiates a powerful journey of purpose, personal growth, and profound self-discovery. “Empowering Physical Education Today to Elevate Performance Tomorrow.”-Dr. Blake Tobin DPT.
Why the Personal Training Field is a Dying Art
Why the Personal Training Field is a Dying Art The personal training industry is in a downward spiral, and it’s not because people don’t want to get fit—it’s because trainers are wrecking their own credibility. Too many so-called professionals are acting like physical therapists, dietitians, and even doctors without the training or legal authority to do so. The result? An industry drowning in misinformation, liability risks, and clients getting shortchanged—or worse, injured. Key notes The Erosion of Professionalism: Where Trainers Go Off the Rails A lack of accountability has led to unsafe practices, unqualified advice, and a Wild West mentality in fitness. Too many trainers are stepping outside their expertise, doing things they aren’t trained to do, and ultimately harming the reputation of the industry. Here’s where it gets dangerous: Certified Personal Trainer (CPT): What They Should Be Doing Most states, including Connecticut, have strict guidelines defining what personal trainers can and cannot do. Certified personal trainers are responsible for helping clients improve fitness, manage health risks, and make lifestyle changes—not play doctor or physical therapist. Here’s what trainers should be doing: Training Responsibilities: Health and Fitness Responsibilities: Nutritional Guidance (Within Limits): Client Management: Other Considerations: To work as a personal trainer in Connecticut, one must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid CPR/AED certification. Most states, including Connecticut, enforce these regulations to prevent trainers from overstepping their legal scope of practice. Violating these guidelines could result fines or legal action. Lawsuits Waiting to Happen If your trainer is violating their scope of practice, they aren’t just being reckless—they’re putting themselves and their clients at risk of legal action. You absolutely can sue a trainer who injures you by overstepping their boundaries. And if they’re touching you inappropriately, writing meal plans without proper certification, or giving medical advice? That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. Want proof? The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE) both have explicit guidelines stating that trainers should never diagnose, treat, or manipulate a client’s body in ways that require a medical or therapy license. Violating these guidelines is grounds for certification revocation and legal repercussions (ACE, 2023; NASM, 2023). Connecticut and many other states uphold these standards through strict laws protecting clients from unqualified practitioners. Elevating the Industry: How to Fix This Mess To restore professionalism, trainers need to: Final Thoughts The personal training industry isn’t dying—it’s being destroyed from within by unqualified trainers who ignore the rules. Misinformation, unethical behavior, and outright negligence are rampant. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Clients, hold your trainers accountable. Speak up, demand professionalism, and if your trainer crosses the line—report them Trainers, step up or step out. Follow the rules, respect boundaries, and commit to real expertise.. Citations
Learn, Adapt, and Conquer: If You Can’t Walk, Crawl!
The Problem with Lack of Self-Care One of the biggest challenges I encounter in physical therapy is the lack of consistent self-care among patients. Too often, people wait until pain or dysfunction becomes unbearable before seeking help, overlooking the crucial role of daily habits and proactive care. This reactive approach not only delays healing but also allows minor issues to snowball into major, more complex problems. For example, poor posture may begin as mild back pain but, when ignored, can evolve into severe shoulder issues and long-term deconditioning. Avoiding movement or dismissing discomfort doesn’t resolve the problem—it amplifies it. True self-care means prioritizing your health consistently, not just when it’s convenient or urgent. Key notes The Rule of Progress: Keep Moving Forward The biggest lesson I teach my patients and clients is simple: Progress is key. Movement is non-negotiable. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. The goal is to always move forward, no matter how small the steps may seem. Stagnation leads to decline, but incremental progress builds strength and resilience over time. Pain Isn’t the Enemy: Education Is the Answer One of the toughest obstacles to overcome is the misunderstanding of pain. Many people believe that life should be completely pain-free. While it’s natural to want comfort, it’s important to recognize that not all pain is harmful. Pain is a complex signal—it doesn’t always mean “stop.” I work with patients to help them understand the difference between discomfort that fosters growth and pain that indicates harm. Learning to identify and adapt to these signals is key to overcoming fear of movement and breaking the cycle of inactivity. As I often say: “Not every pain alarm means there’s a fire, but we also don’t train the pain. It’s a delicate balance, requiring a specialist’s understanding of neurology and anatomy.” Learn, Adapt, and Conquer The ultimate goal I have with everyone I work with isn’t just to address current issues—it’s to empower patients to take control of their physical health. “Avoiding activity because of pain isn’t a solution; it’s a setback. Instead, learn to modify exercises, adapt to challenges, and work toward conquering limitations. Every small step builds toward a fuller, more active life.” Dr.Blake Tobin ” Learn. Adapt. Conquer.” The goal is to live your life physically to its fullest, no matter your starting point and progress in a way that’s safe and sustainable. The Takeaway Physical therapy is a starting point, not a finish line! To break the cycle of pain and dysfunction, you must take ownership of your health. It’s up to each individual to take ownership of their health and commit to the work required to maintain it. Accountability, education, and persistence are the pillars of long-term progress. So, the next time you’re faced with discomfort or doubt, remember this: If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But no matter what, keep moving forward. Progress is the only way to reclaim your physical health and live life to its fullest “Empowering Physcial Education Today to Elevate Performance Tomorrow.”-Dr. Blake Tobin DPT.