How Do I Use My NDIS Funding for Exercise?
If you’ve ever wondered how to use your NDIS funding for exercise, you’re not alone. Many NDIS participants want to stay active, build strength, and manage chronic health conditions, but it’s not always clear what’s covered under their plan.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how NDIS funding can be used for exercise physiology services, what makes exercise “reasonable and necessary,” and how participants in Malvern, Blackburn, and surrounding Melbourne suburbs can access professional support through Summit Health Group’s registered NDIS exercise physiology service in Melbourne.
FAQ: Using NDIS Funding for Exercise
1. What is an Exercise Physiologist (EP)?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified allied health professional who designs safe, evidence-based exercise programs for people with chronic conditions, disabilities, or injuries.
Unlike personal trainers, EPs work with clients whose physical or mental health challenges require clinical oversight. This clinical oversight is the basis of our exercise physiology led by an AEP. That’s why exercise physiology is eligible for NDIS funding — it focuses on therapy and functional improvement, not recreation.
2. Can I use my NDIS plan for exercise physiology services?
Yes, you can use your NDIS funding for exercise if the service helps you achieve your plan goals and is considered reasonable and necessary.
These sessions are typically funded under the Capacity Building categories:
- Improved Health & Wellbeing, or
- Improved Daily Living Skills
Common NDIS item codes include 12_027_0126_3_3 or 15_200_0126_1_3 — both cover therapeutic supports like exercise physiology.
💡 Note: The NDIS doesn’t cover standard gym memberships, but it does fund exercise programs supervised by an Exercise Physiologist if they relate to your disability goals.
3. How do I check if my plan covers exercise physiology?
- Review your NDIS plan under Capacity Building Supports.
- Look for budget items labelled Allied Health, Therapeutic Supports, or Health and Wellbeing.
- Speak to your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) if you’re unsure.
- If EP isn’t currently listed, you can request a plan reassessment — your exercise physiologist can help prepare supporting documentation.
Our team at our Malvern clinic and Blackburn clinic can also liaise with your planner and provide detailed reports to justify EP services as part of your NDIS plan.
4. What exercise services can be funded through NDIS?
Here are examples of EP-led exercise interventions that may be covered:
- Comprehensive initial assessment
- Individualised exercise program (strength, balance, mobility, flexibility)
- 1:1 or small-group supervised sessions
- Home-based or community exercise programs
- Education on movement, pain management, and fatigue reduction
- Progress reviews and outcome reporting for NDIS goals
All programs are tailored to your ability, environment, and functional goals.
5. Can I use NDIS funding for both physio and exercise physiology?
Yes. Many participants benefit from a combined approach — physiotherapy to address acute issues and exercise physiology for long-term management. Our guide on EP vs physio for back pain explains how the two differ.
These services fall under different NDIS line items but can work together within the same budget. At Summit Health Group, our clinicians coordinate care across both disciplines to ensure consistency and progress.
6. What makes an exercise program NDIS-eligible?
For the NDIS to fund exercise, your program must:
Relate directly to your disability or functional limitation
Support your NDIS goals (e.g. “walk independently,” “reduce fatigue,” “participate in the community”)
Be evidence-based and value for money
Be delivered by a qualified professional (e.g. Accredited Exercise Physiologist)
Not duplicate informal supports (like unpaid help from family or friends)
7. Steps to Use Your NDIS Funding for Exercise (Toorak / Melbourne)
| Step | Action | What to Do |
| 1 | Review your NDIS plan | Check your Capacity Building section |
| 2 | Define your goals | Include words like “exercise,” “strength,” and “mobility” |
| 3 | Find a provider | Search for registered EPs near Toorak or contact Summit Health Group |
| 4 | Book an initial assessment | Your EP will create a tailored plan aligned to NDIS goals |
| 5 | Track and report progress | Reports help justify continued funding during reviews |
Summit Health Group offers both in-clinic and home visit exercise physiology sessions for NDIS participants across Toorak, Malvern, and nearby suburbs.
8. How much does NDIS exercise physiology cost?
NDIS pricing follows the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Limits.
As of 2025, most EP sessions are billed at approximately $166.99/hour, depending on location and travel time.
At Summit Health Group, we provide transparent pricing and ensure your sessions are billed within the allowable rate for your plan type (self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed).
9. Common Misunderstandings
- ❌ “NDIS pays for my gym membership.” — Not unless the sessions are therapeutic and supervised by an allied health professional.
- ❌ “I don’t need EP listed in my plan.” — True, but it must fit within your existing budget category.
- ❌ “I can’t exercise without my physio.” — False. EPs are trained to deliver independent, safe, and progressive programs under NDIS.
Why choose Summit Health Group for NDIS exercise physiology?
- Experienced NDIS Exercise Physiologists who specialise in functional strength, chronic pain, and disability management.
- Support with NDIS plan justification and progress reporting.
- Flexible session options: clinic-based, home visits, or community settings.
- Located in Malvern and Blackburn, with telehealth available across Victoria. Backed by our wider accredited exercise physiologist Melbourne team, every NDIS program is clinically designed.
Whether you’re looking to build independence, improve fitness, or reduce pain, Summit Health Group can help you make the most of your NDIS funding for exercise.
Ready to use your NDIS funding for exercise physiology? Our registered NDIS exercise physiologists at our Malvern and Blackburn clinics can confirm your funding eligibility before your first appointment — no obligation, no pressure.
Check your eligibility — book a free call → Malvern: (03) 9576 3216 | Blackburn: (03) 8625 0514
