If you’re taking a GLP-1 and either already are working out or thinking about starting, you might be wondering if your workouts need to change too. Do you need to lift differently? Should you do more cardio? Train fewer days? Is there some specific workout that’s better for people taking a GLP-1?
Actually, not entirely.
I don’t look at someone taking a GLP-1 and immediately think they need a completely different style of training. I look at the person and what they are trying to accomplish. What have you been doing so far? How experienced are you with exercise? How’s your energy and recovery? The GLP-1 is part of the conversation, but it isn’t the entire conversation.
Train for What You’re Trying to Accomplish
I’ve talked a lot throughout these articles about preserving muscle during weight loss. Resistance training plays an important role there, but that resistance training can come from various avenues. Someone who’s never resistance trained before won’t have the same starting point as someone who’s been consistently training for ten years. Maybe you’re learning basic movements two days a week or maybe you’ve been training for years and can continue with most of what you’re already doing. Start with where you are and make sure your training has a reason behind it. If completely new to it, ease your way into it and simply focus on first lightly stimulating and engaging the muscles through the movements.
Pay Attention to What Has Changed
Where I do think taking a GLP-1 deserves some consideration is how you’re responding to everything else that’s changing. Maybe you’re eating significantly less so your energy feels different. Your body weight is changing and you might be exercising more at the same time. So, if your workouts suddenly feel different, don’t immediately assume you need an entirely new program. How’s your energy? Are you eating enough to support what you’re doing? How are you sleeping? Are you recovering between workouts? These all boil down to are you burning more than what you’re intaking? That’s the method but don’t forget you still need energy to go throughout your day! Sometimes your training needs that adjustment. Sometimes something outside of your training needs that attention.
Adjust With a Reason
Everybody has workouts where the weight feels heavier than it should or you simply don’t have the energy you normally do. One workout doesn’t mean you need to change everything. Look for patterns of consistent lows. If something consistently isn’t working, now you have useful information. Maybe your training needs to ease up on intesity for a couple days or maybe even a week. Maybe another recovery day added in or maybe you’re actually ready to progress something.
Just remember, your change should have reason, not because you feel like you’re supposed to. There’s no perfect GLP-1 workout. Your training should make sense for you, what your body can currently handle, and what you’re trying to accomplish.
#unleashthepotential
Written by:
Dan Aquino
BS, ASFA-CPT
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.
