How DVA Fitness Programs Help Physical and Mental Health

Maintaining an appropriate balance between physical health and mental well-being presents a significant challenge for many veterans. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)–funded fitness programs have demonstrated considerable value in addressing this issue. According to the Australian Sports Commission, participation in the DVA Active Choices program tripled the number of veterans meeting the 150 minutes/week exercise guideline, while 76% reported improved mood and psychological well-being. 

With tailored guidance, safe training environments, and professionals who understand veterans’ unique needs, DVA fitness programs offer a practical, empowering path to feeling better both physically and mentally. Let’s break down how these programs truly support whole-person health.

Holistic Health Benefits of DVA Fitness Programs for Veterans

DVA fitness programs provide veterans with tailored, clinically guided exercise designed to improve physical health, manage chronic conditions, reduce cardiovascular risk, and support rehabilitation. They also deliver significant mental-health benefits, including reduced anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, along with better sleep, mood, and social connection. Veterans can access these services at The Movement EP by obtaining a GP referral, booking an appointment, and attending fully bulk-billed sessions with accredited Exercise Physiologists.

What Is a DVA Fitness Program?

DVA fitness programs are structured, DVA-funded exercise-physiology services for veterans who hold a Gold or White Card. They help manage chronic diseases (like cardiovascular problems or diabetes) and rehabilitate after injuries, using clinically tailored exercise plans designed by ESSA-accredited exercise physiologists. Some DVA programs, such as Active Choices, add behaviour-change support and small financial grants for community-based physical activity. Others, like the 12-month Heart Health Program, offer coaching, nutrition education, and guided exercise to build sustainable healthy habits.

Physical Health Benefits of DVA Fitness Programs

Better Management of Chronic Health Conditions

DVA Exercise Physiology programs are clinically designed to help veterans manage conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and chronic pain. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, joint mobility, and circulation, making symptoms easier to control and reducing long-term health risks.

Improved Strength, Mobility & Functional Capacity

Accredited exercise physiologists tailor exercise programs to a veteran’s condition, injuries, and mobility level. This personalized approach helps rebuild strength, balance, and flexibility, which are essential for safely performing daily tasks, reducing fall risk, and improving independence.

Reduced Cardiovascular Risks

Structured aerobic and resistance training funded by DVA has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and enhance circulation. These improvements reduce the likelihood of heart disease, a significant health concern among aging veterans.

Faster and Safer Rehabilitation After Injury or Surgery

DVA programs include post-hospital rehabilitation, meaning veterans receive guided recovery plans to restore strength and movement after surgery, fractures, or illness. This targeted rehabilitation helps prevent complications and speeds up the return to normal activity.

Mental Health Benefits of DVA Fitness Programs

Improved overall psychological well-being

Regular, supported physical activity in DVA fitness programs produces measurable mood and well-being gains. Participants report improved psychological well-being (more positive mood, sense of achievement). The combination of goal attainment and endorphin-linked mood lifts explains this effect.

Reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms

Survey data from program evaluations show decreases in self-reported anxiety and depression (the proportion reporting no issues rose from 26% to 40%). Exercise reduces stress hormones (cortisol) and increases neurotransmitters (serotonin, endorphins), which helps explain symptom reductions.

Symptom relief for PTSD and trauma-related conditions

Clinical trials and systematic reviews indicate exercise, especially combined aerobic + resistance programs, can lower PTSD symptom severity and improve related functioning. Exercise provides physiological regulation (improving sleep and autonomic balance) and behavioural exposure to activity, both useful for trauma recovery.

Better sleep and cognitive clarity

Program participants consistently report improved sleep quality and mental clarity. Exercise enhances sleep architecture and daytime alertness, which reduces irritability and improves concentration, key contributors to better mental health.

Increased social connection and identity rebuilding

Many DVA programs link veterans to community or team activities. Social contact reduces isolation, supports belonging and identity re-formation after service, and is strongly associated with lower rates of depression and higher resilience.

Greater self-efficacy, routine, and purpose

Structured exercise plans, coaching, and goal-setting build mastery and a daily routine, practical buffers against low mood. Feeling competent in self-management translates into improved coping and reduced reliance on crisis interventions.

How to Access a DVA Fitness Program at The Movement EP?

Get a Referral

Speak to your GP or a DVA-contracted medical officer and ask for a DVA Exercise Physiology referral (usually using a D904 form). Make sure to explain the clinical need (e.g., chronic pain, post-surgical rehab, balance issues) since DVA funds exercise physiology for clinically necessary treatment.

Book Your First Session

Once you have your referral, you can book your initial appointment directly with The Movement EP. Simply call 0416 072 507 or email info@themovementep.com.au to schedule your first session. When booking, mention that you are a DVA client so the team can prepare the correct paperwork and allocate you to a fitness coach Leichhardt experienced in veteran-specific care. 

Bring Your Documents to the Clinic

At your first visit, bring your DVA Gold or White Card, along with your GP referral. Our Exercise Physiologist will conduct a thorough assessment, including medical history, functional testing, and goal setting, to design a personalised exercise plan. 

At The Movement EP, we handle the entire claiming process directly with DVA, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs for eligible veterans. All ongoing appointments are fully bulk-billed as long as they fall within your active DVA treatment cycle, making it a simple and stress-free way to access high-quality exercise support.

Ongoing EP Sessions

After the initial assessment, follow-up sessions are roughly 30 minutes long, with a customized exercise plan and progress tracking. Under DVA rules, your referral (treatment cycle) usually covers up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. When a cycle ends, you’ll need a new referral from your GP (unless you’re a TPI Gold Card holder, different rules may apply).

Our EPs are accredited and experienced in treating conditions like musculoskeletal pain, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and even PTSD-related physical symptoms. Contact us today to book your first session and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident you.

FAQs

Does the DVA cover gym memberships or only Exercise Physiology?

DVA generally covers clinically required Exercise Physiology, not standard gym memberships, unless included within an approved, supervised rehabilitation or activity program.

How long does it take to see results from DVA Exercise Physiology?

Most veterans notice improved mobility, strength, mood, and energy within 4–8 weeks, depending on their condition, consistency, and prescribed exercise plan.

Are DVA fitness programs free for veterans?

Yes. Eligible DVA Gold and White Card holders receive fully bulk-billed Exercise Physiology sessions with no out-of-pocket costs under approved treatment cycles.

Do DVA programs include mental health support or counselling?

DVA fitness programs focus on physical rehabilitation. Counselling is separate, but exercise often improves mood and complements DVA-funded psychological or mental health services.