The Advertiser Article

The Advertiser

Saturday, September 26 2026

Page 31

BRAD CROUCH 

It’s got an underwater treadmill, ceiling track hoists, neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices and more – Australia’s largest purpose-built gym for people living with disability, and older people, is being described as “life-changing” by clients. 

The Enable Fitness Centre, at Gilles Plains, that includes a gym and allied health centre, has attracted more than 300 clients since opening in June, with 1000sq m of wheelchair- accessible design, from the building itself to the equipment. 

It is the company’s fourth site in Adelaide and has facilities including: 

THE state’s only underwater treadmill hydrotherapy tank, providing nonweight-bearing supported strength, conditioning and gait training; 

CUSTOM-BUILT wheelchair accessible weights and cardio equipment; 

SPECIALISED therapy tools including ceiling track hoists and neuromuscular electrical stimulation devices, and; 

ACCESSIBLE car parking spaces, stepless entries, wide corridors and accessible toilets and change rooms. 

Chief executive Zoe Darling said Enable was responding to the surge in demand for accessible services since the introduction of the NDIS by filling the gap between hospital services and mainstream gyms. 

“Before Enable, many of our clients were either not exercising, or trying to use mainstream gyms that are not accessible, and are certainly not the inclusive, non-judgmental environment that people with disabilities need to feel comfortable and safe,” she said. 

Ms Darling said accessibility in fitness was “often a box-ticking exercise through minor adaptations like a token handrail or ramp”. 

Enable Fitness Centre, however, took a different approach. 

“We wanted to completely flip it – to design a facility where people with different abilities and needs were considered from the very beginning,” she said. 

“We’ve created a welcoming place where people can walk, roll or be supported through the doors and know the environment has been designed with them in mind.” 

Client Steve Edge said the new facility, including use of an epidural stimulator device “could be life-changing.” 

After a motorcycle crash left Mr Edge, 33, with spinal injuries, he now attends Enable up to four times a week for rehabilitation and wheelchair sports training programs. 

“Enable has equipment I can use in my wheelchair and I’m supported by people who understand what I need,” he said. 

“It’s made me stronger and fitter, and given me more independence and the ability to keep playing wheelchair footy and basketball.” 

Gordon Atherton, 66, uses hydrotherapy to help cope with a neurological disorder. 

“Enable’s underwater treadmill means I can build strength and coordination, and the supported environment provides muscle relief,” he said