The Impact of GLP-1s on Strength Training and Gym Trends

As the use of GLP-1 medications like Zepbound becomes more prevalent, a notable trend is emerging within gym culture: an increase in strength training. Mima Mendoza, a Maryland resident who started strength training in 2024 after her doctor prescribed GLP-1s, epitomizes this shift. Her journey reflects how these medications not only assist in weight loss but also encourage a focus on long-term health through muscle building.

The statistics are telling. Between 2024 and 2025, a detailed report from the Health & Fitness Association reveals a marked increase in the use of free-weight equipment across U.S. gyms. Members have become 6.7% more likely to reach for dumbbells, 3.8% more inclined to grab barbells, and 3.6% more willing to experiment with kettlebells. Notably, there’s been a staggering 28% increase in dumbbell use since Wegovy received FDA approval in 2021.

According to Anton Severin, vice president of research at the Health & Fitness Association, this growing enthusiasm for strength training can largely be attributed to the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications. Severin notes, “Available data suggest that this interest in strength training is part of a structural, long-term trend accelerated by GLP-1s.” While other factors, such as an emphasis on longevity and functional strength, were already shifting the focus towards resistance training, the clinical urgency presented by GLP-1s has further solidified this change.

Importance of Resistance Training with GLP-1s

The connection between weight loss methods and muscle preservation is crucial. Dr. Jyotsna Ghosh, an obesity medicine physician at Johns Hopkins, underscores that any method of weight loss—be it diet, surgery, or medication—can lead to muscle loss. She emphasizes the importance of strength training and adequate protein intake as critical strategies to combat this reduction in muscle mass. Dr. Ghosh recommends her patients engage in resistance training at least twice a week, which aligns with CDC guidelines for physical activity.

Mendoza’s approach reflects this methodology. She focuses on progressively increasing her workout's challenge level, adhering to a principle known as progressive overload, which requires access to specific equipment and weights. This led her to join gyms like Planet Fitness and later the YMCA, where she can track her progress and adapt her routines.

Shifts in Fitness Culture Driven by Medicine

Historically, advancements in medical knowledge have profoundly influenced fitness culture. This trend isn’t new; breakthroughs in understanding cardiovascular health catalyzed a cardio boom in the late 20th century. As research uncovered the benefits of strength training for bone health and injury prevention, gym-goers gradually shifted their focus to resistance training. Today’s spike in GLP-1 usage appears to be contributing to a renewed emphasis on similar themes.

Gyms are taking note of this shift. Personal training services and small-group training sessions have become more prevalent, with personal training usage jumping 22% from 2024 to 2025. Many gyms are repurposing areas previously occupied by cardio machines to create more space for strength-training equipment.

Adaptations in Gym Facilities

To meet the needs of GLP-1 users, gyms are altering their offerings. For instance, Body Space Fitness in New York, led by CEO Kelvin Gary, is educating trainers about the unique considerations for clients using GLP-1s. Their program emphasizes the importance of maintaining lean muscle mass and adapting workout intensities to accommodate any potential side effects of the medication, such as nausea.

Major gyms like Equinox are also refining their strategies. They’ve developed a "research-backed GLP-1 protocol" to guide coaches working with clients who are on these medications, focusing on maintaining fitness while managing weight through strength training.

Even lower-cost gym brands are venturing into the GLP-1 conversation. Planet Fitness recently teamed up with a telehealth provider offering GLP-1 injections, recognizing the potential market among their members.

Reframing Exercise Goals

The perspective on exercise is evolving as GLP-1 usage becomes more widespread. Traditionally seen mainly as a tool for weight loss, fitness goals are now branching into areas such as muscle building, fostering community, and establishing healthy habits. Dr. Ghosh reports a cultural shift in her patients, particularly among women who are more eager to embrace strength training, dispelling the outdated notion that such training leads to undesirable bulk.

For Mendoza, the use of Zepbound has shifted her mindset, allowing her to prioritize strength training as part of a holistic approach to health. She envisions a future where strength training, supported by proper nutrition and possibly medication, remains a vital component of her lifestyle.

Tips for Initiating a Strength Training Journey

If you’re inspired to explore strength training, consider these foundational tips from Dr. Ghosh:

1. Utilize the Buddy System

Navigating the gym can feel intimidating, especially for beginners. Bringing a friend along can help ease the anxiety of trying new equipment or routines.

2. Attend Classes or Work with a Trainer

Strength training classes or introductory sessions with personal trainers can build confidence and teach proper techniques. For those with specific health concerns, consulting a physical therapist may provide tailored guidance.

3. Start Slow

Avoid the temptation to push too hard at the outset. Focus on consistency and safety, gradually adding challenges to your routine.

4. Schedule Workouts Like Appointments

Creating a structured gym schedule helps to treat workouts with the importance they deserve, making it easier to commit regularly.

5. Choose Off-Peak Times

If gym anxiety is a concern, consider visiting during less crowded hours to feel more at ease while getting acclimated.

The integration of GLP-1s into fitness culture underscores an evolving narrative about strength training. As more individuals recognize its benefits, it’s likely that a sustained commitment to resistance training will become a defining feature of today's health and wellness landscape.