Health and Fitness on the NDIS

 Health and fitness are a cornerstone for confidence and self-esteem. They’re also crucial to achieving your goals for living a more independent life.

NDIS Health and fitness programs include a variety of services that address a range of needs and goals. This includes: specialised exercise programs, physical therapy sessions, and mental wellbeing support.

Exercise physiologists

NDIS participants who receive exercise physiology services can improve balance, strengthen stabilising muscles, and enhance spatial awareness. These improvements can increase their confidence in mobility, reduce the risk of falls that lead to injury and further limitations, and improve their overall quality of life.

NDIS exercise physiologists help participants improve their health, wellbeing and function by creating clinically-based exercises that focus on addressing the individual’s specific goals and needs. They also work closely with physiotherapists and other allied health professionals to create holistic care plans for each participant.

Accredited exercise physiologists are highly trained allied health professionals whose services are funded by the NDIS. They are experts in their field, and they understand the unique challenges that individuals with disabilities face.

NDIS exercise physiologists provide education and counselling on the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. They are also expert in monitoring progress and making adjustments based on week-to-week changes in symptoms, energy levels and other factors.

Personal trainers

Personal trainers work with clients to develop, implement, and evaluate exercise plans that achieve specific physical objectives. They may specialise in certain areas such as strength training, cardiovascular fitness, or core and balance. These professionals have a wide range of skills, including a strong focus on health education and motivational techniques.

Working with NDIS participants can be a rewarding career for both trainers and their clients. It provides a distinct niche that allows trainers to differentiate themselves in a competitive market and helps them gain a greater sense of fulfilment from their work.

Ultimately, exercise is essential for all people and it can help them manage their disabilities. NDIS participants are encouraged to participate in a range of fitness and exercise activities under the Improved Health and Wellbeing and Capacity Building support categories. These activities can help them develop and build critical life skills to enable self-care, decision making, and social inclusion. This can lead to improved health, wellbeing, and confidence.

NDIS exercise physiology plans

NDIS participants need specialised help to improve their motor skills, stay healthy, and reach their goals. This is where exercise physiology comes in.

An accredited exercise physiologist makes an assessment to see where you are physically, what your needs are, and what you want to achieve. They then make an exercise program that fits you.

Besides helping with your core physical skills, the programs can also support emotional regulation and social development. They can also help you with chronic diseases like asthma or cystic fibrosis.

If you want to access NDIS funded exercise physiology, look for it under the capacity building supports category of your plan. You need to show your NDIS planner that these services are related to your disability and necessary for your goals. Then they will approve the funds. This is why it’s important to choose an NDIS registered exercise physiologist with good credentials. You can check their accreditation through Exercise & Sports Science Australia.

Can NDIS exercise physiology be provided in my home or community?

Exercise Physiologists should create personalised workout plans for each participant, taking into consideration their physical abilities and health concerns. They should also implement sensory considerations to create a safe and supportive environment, such as noise-canceling headphones or designated quiet areas.

EP’s are university qualified health professionals with expert knowledge and skills to design, deliver and monitor evidence-based exercise interventions. They are also skilled in designing behavioural change strategies to assist with achieving improved health and wellbeing goals and offset the side effects of medication.

EP’s can be funded through the ‘Improved Health and Wellbeing’ and/or ‘Capacity Building’ support categories within your NDIS plan. The cost of these sessions will be dependent on your goals and may include one-on-one personal training, group fitness classes or access to gym equipment via WeFlex. Unlike Physiotherapy, EP’s focus on active movement and do not typically involve hands-on treatment. They can assist with improving balance and mobility and can enhance social capability, especially if held in a group setting.