OTB: A Different Kind of Fitness

Aim

Building an inclusive fitness space supporting neurodivergent women, midlife women and those excluded by traditional gyms.

OTB: A Different Kind of Fitness

Building a fitness space where every mind and every body belongs

Hi, I’m Sarah.

I’m an autistic personal trainer, running coach, single mum, and the founder of Outside the Box.

For most of my life, fitness felt like something that belonged to other people.

The confident people.
The sporty people.
The people who knew what they were doing.

Like many women, I spent years putting everyone else first. Between work, family, responsibilities and life’s challenges, my own health always ended up at the bottom of the list.

When I finally began my own fitness journey, I discovered something important.

The biggest barrier wasn’t motivation.

It was belonging.

Many people feel excluded from traditional fitness spaces. Whether you’re neurodivergent, navigating perimenopause, returning after illness or injury, lacking confidence, or simply feeling like you don’t fit the typical gym culture, stepping through the door can feel overwhelming.

That’s why I created Outside the Box.

Over the last year, I’ve built a growing community of women who support one another through personal training, small group classes and our run club. Together we’ve celebrated first 5Ks, improved health, increased confidence and discovered that movement doesn’t have to look a certain way to count.

Now we have the opportunity to take the next step.

We’ve secured a permanent space.

An empty unit with huge potential.

With your support, we can transform it into a welcoming, neuroinclusive fitness space designed around real people and real lives.

A space where:
• Beginners feel comfortable
• Neurodivergent women feel understood
• Midlife women feel supported
• LGBTQ+ people feel welcome
• Progress is celebrated at every level
• Nobody feels judged for where they’re starting

The funds raised will help us purchase essential equipment including strength training equipment, cardio equipment, storage and accessibility resources needed to bring the space to life.

This isn’t about creating another gym.

It’s about creating a community.

A place where people who have never felt they belonged in fitness can finally find a space that feels like theirs.

Every donation, share and message of support helps us move one step closer to making that vision a reality.

Thank you for believing in a different kind of fitness.

Here's what a small group of our members say...

"I've never been successful with PT or gyms because they weren't neurodiverse-friendly. Sarah has created an inclusive, neuro-affirming environment where I finally feel safe to exercise. I can already see improvements and feel confident that I can maintain my health for years to come."

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"If you're nervous about working out, don't like big groups, or feel uncomfortable in typical gyms, this is absolutely the place for you. It's a positive, encouraging space where you can build strength, confidence and actually enjoy showing up."

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Sarah has created a great environment for us. The classes are fun and challenging, and I always leave feeling better mentally than when I arrived."

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"I've gone from doing little to no exercise to loving the weekly classes. I never expected to enjoy strength training so much."

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"I think you're already doing a great thing for the neurospicy community who have always felt overwhelmed by the exercise world. Keep it up."

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

"Running has literally changed my life. It gives me something to look forward to every single week."

Why this project matters

These aren't just lovely comments - they're exactly why this project exists.

One member saved for over six months just to afford four weeks of personal training because it was something she desperately wanted but simply couldn't afford.

Another found the confidence to believe she could complete a 50k ultramarathon.

Others have told us they finally feel comfortable exercising because they've found a space where they aren't judged, where they're understood, and where they belong.

Our dream isn't just to buy equipment.

It's to create a space where more people can experience that same transformation.

Part of the money raised will allow us to subsidise places for women who would otherwise miss out because of cost. No one should be excluded from improving their physical and mental wellbeing simply because life is expensive.

With your support, we can build more than a gym.

We can build a community where everyone has the opportunity to move, grow and belong.

Can your business help?

We're also looking to partner with local businesses, organisations and grant funders who share our vision of making fitness more inclusive and accessible.

Whether that's through financial sponsorship, grant funding, donating equipment or supporting subsidised community places, every contribution helps us reach more people who need this space.

Businesses can sponsor equipment, community classes or subsidised places for women who would otherwise be unable to access support.

In return, we'll proudly recognise our supporters through our website, social media, inside the studio and as part of our growing community.

If you'd like to become one of our Founding Partners, we'd love to hear from you.

Every donation, share and message of support helps us move one step closer to making that vision a reality.

Thank you for believing in a different kind of fitness.

Sarah
Founder, Outside the Box

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 8th August 2026 at 11:00am