Can the NDIS Pay for a Gym Membership? What You Need to Know

What’s Covered, What’s Not – and What to Ask For Instead

If you’re an NDIS participant looking to improve your strength, health or mobility, you might wonder:  “Can I use my NDIS funding for a gym membership?”



The answer is: No — not usually.

The NDIS does not consider gym memberships to be an NDIS-funded support, because they’re a day-to-day living cost that anyone might have, with or without a disability.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t supports available to help you access physical activity safely, especially if it’s part of your goals.

What the NDIS Does Not Fund

The NDIS will not fund:

• A general gym membership
  
• Fitness programs or classes not tailored to disability-related needs
  
• Lifestyle or recreation costs, like sports uniforms or club fees
  
  

Even if a goal in your plan is to “get fit”, the membership itself is not considered reasonable and necessary under the NDIS Act.

Who Might Benefit from NDIS-Funded Exercise Supports?

Not every NDIS participant will require exercise-related support, but for many, it plays a key role in maintaining mobility, independence, or mental wellbeing.

Here are examples of disability types and conditions where exercise support may be considered reasonable and necessary under the NDIS if linked to individual goals and functional capacity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Physical activity can support emotional regulation, routine, social skills, and sensory processing. A support worker may be funded to assist with gym access, reduce anxiety in new environments, or guide participation in structured exercise.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

For some people with psychosocial disability, regular movement can help with focus, emotional regulation, and routine. NDIS funding may be available when the participant requires support to safely or consistently access exercise environments.

Physical Disabilities

Conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries often require targeted strength and mobility support. Participants may need assistance from a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, or support worker to engage safely in physical activity.

Neurological or Degenerative Conditions

Exercise can support balance, gait, and functional mobility in conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, or acquired brain injury (ABI). NDIS funding may be used for tailored programs delivered with supervision or assistive technology.

Psychosocial Disability (e.g. PTSD, anxiety, depression)

For some participants, structured movement supports better mental health, community access, and confidence. A support worker may assist with planning, transport, or safety to ensure exercise routines are followed.

Intellectual Disability or Developmental Delay

Exercise programs can assist with coordination, social development, and health maintenance. A support worker may help the participant engage with gym equipment, follow instructions, or maintain a consistent routine.

Remember: It’s not enough to say exercise is helpful. You need to show that the support is directly related to your disability, supports your NDIS goals, and cannot be reasonably provided by informal or mainstream services.

What the NDIS May Fund Instead

While the NDIS won’t pay for a gym membership, it may fund supports that help you access or participate in exercise especially when it relates to your functional capacity and personal goals.

A Support Worker at the Gym

If your disability prevents you from using the gym safely on your own, the NDIS may fund a support worker to assist with:

• Transfers or use of equipment
  
• Following instructions or routines
  
• Behavioural or emotional support
• Encouragement and prompting



Transport to and from the Gym

If you can’t access public transport independently, the NDIS may fund transport supports to help you attend regularly especially in regional or remote areas.

Exercise Physiology or Physiotherapy

The NDIS may fund sessions with a qualified exercise physiologist or physiotherapist under Capacity Building supports, when focused on:

• Improving mobility or physical function
  
• Falls prevention or balance
  
• Recovery or rehab linked to your disability
  
• Support for postural care or complex needs



Home Exercise Equipment

The NDIS may fund assistive equipment for home-based movement if:

• It directly relates to your disability
  
• It supports a goal in your plan
  
• A qualified therapist has recommended it
  
• It is more suitable than attending a gym or group program
  
  

Examples:

• Modified resistance bands or therapy tools
  
• Exercise bikes with stability features
  
• Balance or gait training aids
  
• Supportive seating for safe movement
  
  

You’ll need clinical justification showing why home-based exercise is safer, more appropriate, or more effective than gym access.

How to Talk About Exercise in Your Planning Meeting

If staying active is part of your goal, make sure to:

• Include a health or mobility goal in your plan
  
• Ask your therapist or exercise psysiologist to provide supporting documentation
  
• Be specific about what support you need to attend or complete exercise safely
  
  

Example:
"Because of my physical disability, I can’t use the gym independently. I need a support worker to assist with equipment and transfers to safely meet my goal of increasing lower body strength.”

Real-World Benefits of Supported Exercise

Even if the NDIS won’t fund your gym fees, supported physical activity can help:

• Build strength and confidence
  
• Improve emotional wellbeing
  
• Increase independence with mobility and daily tasks
  
• Reduce falls risk or injury
  
• Support social inclusion and routine



Final Thoughts

Gym memberships themselves are not covered by the NDIS.


But if physical activity is linked to your goals and functional needs, there are still many ways the NDIS can support you, including funding for support workers, therapists, transport, or home-based equipment.

Need help working out what’s eligible in your plan?

Based in Port Lincoln, Supporting the Eyre Peninsula and Beyond

Empowrd supports NDIS participants across Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Whyalla, and surrounding regions with:

• Local Support Coordination
  
• Australia-wide Plan Management
  
• Help preparing for reviews and funding requests
  
  

📩Visit empowrd.com.au
Let’s make your plan work for your real goals — not just the paperwork.