Did you know, at Alchemy Services, our Mentors provide support to NDIS clients to enable them to
attend a gym in Murray Bridge?

Want to be a part of this amazing group?

Are you aware you may be eligible for funding through your NDIS plan to help you achieve your
exercise goals?

Whilst NDIS do not fund gym memberships, they often funds things such as transport to and from
the gym, or funding for a support worker/mentor to assist you to use the gym equipment.
Often, when people are disengaged, encouraging them to attend the gym to undertake some form of
exercise can empower them to feel much more engaged.

There are immediate benefits to be gained from physical activity which can include, weight
management, reducing your health risk, strengthening of bones and muscles, improving your ability
to do daily activities, increasing your chances of living longer and managing chronic health conditions
and disabilities.

Attending the gym can also have an impact on behaviour as it can empower you to feel more
energised, can improve balance and flexibility, and often gives a sense of achievement. Alchemy’s
support workers and mentors frequently attend in a group setting, which provides a great sense of
community and inclusiveness. Further, you can benefit from decreased anxiety, enjoy better sleep
and have a more focussed mind.

The gym provides for an accessible environment, and a sense of belonging. When it comes to the
physiological benefits of sport for people with disability, it’s about working on skills which can then
translate to daily living.

Participating in sports and recreation can influence social benefits, higher energy levels, goal setting
and confidence, communication and teamwork, and also prepare you for learning how to deal with
setbacks.

Not only do our lovely clients benefit from attending the gym, our youth mentors also enjoy the
social and community setting and engaging with our clients in physical activity. Within the teambased activities, clients learn how to work well with others and adopt a ‘team mindset’. They also
learn how to deal with not winning every time, understanding how to improve, and that trying again
is all part of the journey.

Statistics show that people with disabilities are less likely to take part in regular sport or physical
activity than their non-disabled peers. However, disabled people have a lot to gain from regular
physical exercise, and hence why our mentors love supporting our clients to engage in sports and
exercise.

Bowling is another great activity our clients and youth mentors engage in on a regular basis. It’s fun,
it’s competitive, and it’s also excellent physical exercise. It is within a safe and welcoming
environment and can be played in teams.

Prefer swimming! Our clients are also supported and encouraged to undertake swimming at the local
swimming centre. Swimming provides low-impact physical activity, improves co-ordination, balance,
posture and flexibility, and is a great way to relax and feel good.

At Alchemy, we encourage physical activity for overall better health, for the body and the mind