Managing ADHD using Exercise and Strength Training

In this conversation, Psychologist Johanna Badenhorst interviews Athanasia McDonald, a strength and powerlifting coach specialising in working with pre and postnatal women. Athanasia shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and how strength training has helped her manage her symptoms. They discuss the misconceptions around exercise and strength training, particularly for women and mothers. Athanasia emphasizes the importance of education, accessibility, and removing shame and guilt around exercise. They also touch on executive functioning challenges and provide strategies for staying motivated. Strength training is forgiving and allows for breaks without losing progress. Deloading frequently and pacing energy are important for ADHD individuals. Finding a supportive community or gym is crucial for staying on track. Self-compassion is key in managing ADHD and exercise. Movement should be empowering and individualized, not compared to others. Exercise can help ADHD women navigate motherhood and improve self-esteem. Reorganizing wardrobes can be a challenge for ADHD individuals.

Athanasia McDonald can be found on Instagram at @Ath_strengthsyndicate and at bornstrong.com.au for pre and postnatal strength training in Canberra.

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Also visit: ⁠⁠⁠www.holisticwellnesspsychology.com.au⁠⁠⁠ to get access to free ADHD guides, blogs and information on how to work with me.

Keywords

ADHD, strength training, powerlifting, coaching, pre and postnatal women, misconceptions, exercise, motivation, executive functioning, strength training, breaks, deloading, pacing energy, supportive community, self-compassion, movement, ADHD women, motherhood, reorganizing wardrobes, Athanasia McDonald

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:01 What is a Strength Coach?

14:40 The Connection Between ADHD and Strength Training

23:10 Specific ADHD strategies for executive functions and exercise

23:19 Executive Functioning Challenges and Strategies

28:45 The Importance of Self-Compassion

34:20 Empowering Women