site-logo

Managing physical activity with a health condition

For women living with a disability or health condition, it may be challenging to meet the Australian Guidelines to Physical Activity. It’s important to find activities that are appropriate for your ability and/or health condition. Make sure you speak to a doctor first before starting any new activities. 

Here are some things to keep in mind: 

  • Do some research on your condition to better understand what exercises might be suitable. 
  • Consider exercising with a trusted friend or healthcare professional, who understands your needs and won’t push you beyond what you feel comfortable with. 
  • Don’t overdo it – physical activity looks different to everyone, so try not to compare yourself to other people. 
  • Acknowledge that accessing NDIS funding can be difficult, which can make it hard for people with disabilities to be included in sporting and recreational activities. 
  • Make sure you are having fun! 

Exercise tips and resources

  • Exercise Right have advice and resources for over 45 different chronic conditions that you can explore.
  • Exercise Right also have great resources on exercising with a disability.
  • Chronic pain can be debilitating, so make sure you read this article by Exercise Right, to better understand your body if you are experiencing chronic pain.

Watch Rhonda speak about managing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis through physical activity.

References

ABC News (2021) Navigating NDIS an exhausting and disempowering process, people with disabilities say 

Active and Healthy NSW (2017) Exercise at home 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2012) Australia’s health 2012  

Bauman A, Merom D, Bull FC, Buchner DM, Singh, MAF (2016) Updating the evidence for physical activity: summative reviews of the epidemiological evidence, prevalence, and interventions to promote "active aging". The Gerontologist. 56(S2), S268-S280 

Better Health (2015) Physical activity – choosing the one for you 

Better Health (2015) Physical activity – staying motivated 

Better Health (2022) Exercise programs 

Better Health (2022) Physical activity – how to get started 

Better Health (2023) Physical activity for seniors  

Better Health (2023) Physical activity – overcoming excuses 

Cheung C (2014) Yoga for managing knee osteoarthritis in older women: a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 14(1):160 

COTA Victoria (2023) Victoria together living stronger exercise series 

COTA Victoria (2023) Social and wellbeing 

Department of Health (2012) Development of evidence based physical activity of adults 

Department of Health and Aged Care (2021) Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians 

Department of Health and Aged Care (2022) For people with disability or chronic conditions 

Exercise Right (2023) 10 important messages for those living with chronic pain 

Exercise Right (n.d.) Chronic conditions 

Exercise Right (n.d.) Exercise for disabilities 

Get Active Victoria (2023) Resources 

HM (2002) Effects of Tai Chi exercise on balance, functional mobility, and fear of falling among older women. Applied Nursing Research. 15(4): 253-242 

Izquierdo M, Merchant RA, Morley JE, et al. (2021) International exercise recommendations in older adults (ICFSR): Expert consensus guidelines. The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing. 25(7): 824-853 

Langhammer B, Bergland A, Rydwik E (2018) The importance of physical activity exercise among older people. Biomed Research International 

Lee YS (2005) Gender differences in physical activity and walking among older adults. Journal of Women and Aging. 17(1):55-70 

Nevo Zisin (n.d.) Finding Nevo 

Older Women’s Network NSW (2016) Not all our bits work perfectly, let’s look after the bits that still do: Enhancing the health and wellbeing of older women

Thomas E, Battaglia G, Patti A, et al. (2019) Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly: a systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 98(27) 

UN Women (2023) Safe cities and safe public spaces – At a glance 

Wallbank G, Sherrington C, Hassett L, et al. (2020) Active women over 50 online information and support to promote physical activity behaviour change: study protocol for a pilot trial. Pilot Feasibility Studies. 6(91) 

Wallbank G, Sherrington C, Hassett L, et al. (2022) Active women over 50: promoting physical activity in women over 50: a randomized trial. American Journal of Health Promotion. 36(2): 305-309 

Wolf R, Locks P, Lopes PB, et al. (2020) Multicomponent exercise training improves gait ability of older women rather than strength training: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Ageing Research 

Women’s Health Victoria (2023) Victorian Women’s Health Atlas

World Health Organisation (2020) Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour

In My Prime is an initiative of
Our other services and initiatives