Published by Easy Exercising • February 2026
If you or someone you love is living with multiple sclerosis, you already know how unpredictable the condition can be. One day you feel steady on your feet. The next, fatigue hits like a wall and your legs feel like they belong to someone else.
It can be tempting to stop moving altogether. But the research is clear: regular, gentle exercise is one of the most effective things a person with MS can do to manage their symptoms and protect their quality of life.
The challenge is finding an exercise environment that works with your body — not against it.
That’s exactly what we built Easy Exercising to be.
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres (called myelin) in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts the signals between the brain and the body, leading to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, balance problems, numbness, and difficulty walking.
MS is the leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults in Australia. According to the MS Prevalence and Health Economic Impact in Australia 2025 report, a record 37,756 Australians are now living with MS — a 13.3% increase in just three years. As of March 2025, approximately 11,800 NDIS participants list MS as a condition in their plan.
The condition varies enormously from person to person. Some people experience relapses and remissions. Others have a slower, steady progression. But across all types, one thing the research consistently shows is that exercise helps.
Why exercise matters when you have MS
For a long time, people with MS were told to rest and avoid physical exertion. That advice has been thoroughly overturned.
A large-scale meta-analysis published in the Journal of Neurology in 2025 found that exercise improved balance, walking ability, walking endurance, fatigue and quality of life in people with MS. The same study identified resistance training as the single most effective exercise type for reducing MS-related fatigue — particularly in programs lasting longer than eight weeks.
The researchers also noted that supervised resistance training is strongly recommended for safety and technique.
Other research has found that regular physical activity can support cognitive function in people with MS, improve mood, and help manage the secondary health risks (like cardiovascular disease and diabetes) that can come with reduced mobility over time.
In short: staying active doesn’t just feel better. It measurably protects your body and your brain.
Why power-assisted exercise is a good fit for MS
Here’s the problem with most gym environments for someone managing MS: traditional weight machines require you to push against resistance on your own. If your strength fluctuates day to day — which it does with MS — a set that was manageable on Tuesday might be impossible on Thursday.
Power-assisted machines work differently. Instead of you doing all the work, the machine assists your movement through a full range of motion. You control how much effort you put in, and the machine does the rest. This means:
You can train on low-energy days. The machines adapt to where you’re at, not the other way around.
The resistance is customisable. Sessions can start at the lightest setting and build gradually over time.
Movement is smooth and controlled. No jerky, high-impact motions that could aggravate spasticity or balance issues.
Full-body circulation improves. Gentle, repetitive movement helps ease stiffness and can support the effectiveness of medication.
It’s genuinely enjoyable. Our participants regularly describe Easy Exercising as relaxing and fun — not something most people say about a gym.
Because each session is guided and supervised one-on-one, there’s always someone watching your form, checking in on how you’re feeling, and adjusting the session to suit you. If you’d like to know more about how we approach safety, read Safety First: Why Clients Trust Easy Exercising.
What our participants say
Kirsty, an Easy Exercising participant who lives with MS, put it simply:
“I have Multiple Sclerosis. I heard about this place from my friend and I’ve been coming now for two weeks. I’m hoping it’s going to help me be more independent and stronger in myself, and hopefully dance at my daughter’s wedding.”
That’s what this is about. Not setting personal records. Not pushing through pain. It’s about building enough strength and confidence to do the things that matter to you — whether that’s dancing at a wedding, walking to the letterbox without holding the wall, or simply getting through the day with less fatigue.
Managing fatigue — the most common MS symptom
Fatigue affects up to 80% of people living with MS, and it’s often described as the most debilitating symptom. It’s not the same as ordinary tiredness — MS fatigue can hit without warning and doesn’t always improve with rest.
It sounds counterintuitive, but the evidence shows that the right kind of exercise can actually reduce MS fatigue rather than make it worse. The key is gentle, consistent movement — not high-intensity sessions that leave you depleted.
Power-assisted exercise fits this perfectly. You’re moving your body through a full workout without the strain. If you’d like to understand more about how we approach fatigue specifically, have a read of How Easy Exercising Can Help with Fatigue Management.
Can I use my NDIS funding for exercise?
Yes. If you’re an NDIS participant with MS and your plan includes funding for health and wellbeing supports, you may be able to use it at Easy Exercising. We work with both self-managed and plan-managed participants.
Exercise can fall under several NDIS support categories depending on your plan and your goals. If you’re unsure whether your plan covers it, have a conversation with your support coordinator or plan manager. You can also read more about NDIS-funded activities at Easy Exercising.
Try a free session
If you’re living with MS and you’ve been putting off exercise because you’re not sure where to start, come and see what Easy Exercising is like. We offer a free trial session at any of our Brisbane clinics so you can experience the machines, meet the team, and decide if it feels right for you.
No pressure. No commitments. Just a chance to move your body in a way that actually works.
Book your free trial at easyexercising.com.au or call us today.
Our Brisbane clinics are located in Capalaba and Morayfield, with more locations planned.
Frequently asked questions
Is exercise safe for people with multiple sclerosis?
Yes. Current clinical guidelines recommend regular exercise for people with MS. The key is choosing a supervised, low-impact form of exercise that can be adjusted to your energy levels and symptoms on any given day. Power-assisted exercise is specifically designed for this.
What type of exercise is best for MS fatigue?
Research published in 2025 identified resistance training as the most effective exercise type for reducing fatigue in people with MS. Power-assisted machines provide gentle resistance that can be customised to your ability, making them well-suited for managing fatigue.
Can NDIS participants use funding for Easy Exercising?
Many NDIS participants with MS use their plan funding to attend Easy Exercising. If your plan includes health and wellbeing supports, talk to your support coordinator or plan manager about whether exercise sessions can be included.
Do I need a referral to attend Easy Exercising?
No referral is needed. You can book a free trial session directly through our website or by calling any of our Brisbane clinics.
Sign Up for a Free Trial Session at Easy Exercising
Interested in trying out our power-assisted machines for yourself so you can regain the mobility you had in your prime? Want to learn more about our incredible clinics across Brisbane? Or just want to step into a welcoming, fun community that gives you a purpose, a place to be, and helps you feel supported every step of the way?
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"I had a very good hour doing Easy Exercising which isn’t hard on your joints. I think it’s good for any over fifties to try as they will find it so good for their different problems or just to have some general exercise. There is a qualified person supervising you on each machine & its a very sociable environment." - Margaret
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