Exercise and disability: Brodie’s personal progress

Getting fit and becoming strong: exercising with a disability

By Brodie · Originally published 5 July 2017

Two people moving along a tree-lined road

Original article

Sometimes, staying fit and healthy is just as important, if not more so, when you have a disability.

My name is Brodie and I’ve been on a mission. For over 12 months, I’ve been on a healthy lifestyle program, learning about all the things that make me healthier and stronger.

Before signing up, I couldn’t cook for myself or boil water on the stove. Now, I love cooking chicken breast filled with veggies. So yummy.

I’m also shopping at the store and cooking full meals at home without help. With a little support, I’m becoming more and more independent.

I’ve changed my eating habits and learned what is healthy and what is bad for you. I used to take a lot of diet shakes to help lose weight, but have now realised that all it takes is eating healthy foods and exercising daily – or when you can.

Activities? I’ve completed the rebound race, the raw challenge, colour run, and so much more. But the best exercise is walking. It’s both fun and peaceful, good for losing weight and keeping fit.

[Clickability update, October 2026:

Walking suited Brodie. Current Australian movement recommendations for people with disability advise starting slowly, building up where possible and seeking professional help when needed. Choose activity appropriate to your circumstances.

]

I’m motivated by the other challengers in the program, who are all positive and supportive in their own ways.

I’m sure we want to know the results too. Well, I used to weigh 115 kilograms. I’m now shedding kilos, keeping my weight down, and getting stronger every week. It’s been an amazing journey.

What are you waiting for? Let’s get healthy together.

Brodie

Brodie is a participant in the Healthy Change Challenge program, which you can learn more about here.

Clickability editorial update: October 2026

Choose an activity goal that matters to you

You might want to build strength, enjoy an activity or make a daily task easier. Ask a suitable health professional about options that fit your condition, access and preferences. Brodie’s program is one example; its activities and weight changes do not predict your results.

Discuss how progress will be reviewed and what to do if symptoms or needs change. An appropriately qualified physiotherapy provider may be relevant to a movement assessment. Funding is a separate question and must be checked against current NDIS support rules.

Support the person’s goal without policing their body

Ask whether help with transport, food preparation or organising an appointment would be useful. Avoid setting a target based on Brodie’s weight or assuming a routine is safe because it worked for him. Recognise changes the person values and leave room to adjust or stop an activity.

Questions readers ask

Is walking suitable as the best exercise for everyone?

No. Choose movement appropriate to individual circumstances and seek professional advice where needed. Official guidance

Find advice about movement that suits your needs

Explain your goals to Clickability and compare physiotherapy providers. Ask about relevant experience, assessment and how progress will be reviewed.

Find a physiotherapist · Browse physiotherapy providers