Survey: More GLP-1 users are exercising, and gyms are adapting

A new survey shows 72% of GLP-1 users say they are working out more since starting the medication, up from 60% last year, as medical weight-loss drugs reshape gym demand. Carbon Performance is pitching its training, nutrition and recovery model as a way to help members preserve muscle and sustain results long term.

Why it matters: - GLP-1 drugs are changing how people approach weight loss, but exercise is still becoming part of the routine for more users. - The shift is creating new demand for gyms that can support strength training, nutrition and recovery, not just cardio and access to equipment. - Carbon Performance is positioning its model around long-term health outcomes for members using medical weight-loss drugs.

What happened: - A new survey found 72% of GLP-1 users say they are working out more since starting the medication, up from 60% last year. - The increase is helping drive new gym memberships, especially among adults under 45. - Carbon Performance said it is focused on helping members using weight-loss drugs understand what they need to stay healthy and keep results. - Jerrad Tausz, CEO of Carbon Performance, said the rise of GLP-1s has changed the conversation around weight loss but not the fundamentals needed for long-term success.

The details: - Carbon Performance says weight loss still requires structured training, proper nutrition, recovery strategies, accountability and a motivating environment. - Tausz said GLP-1 users may need more personalized support as appetite, body weight, energy and training capacity change. - Carbon says those members may need help preserving lean muscle, fueling despite reduced appetite, balancing cardio with strength training and recovering well enough to stay consistent. - Carbon says proper strength training is essential because users risk losing muscle along with body fat without a structured program. - Tausz said GLP-1 users need progressive strength training, strategic cardio and adjustments as their body, energy and recovery needs change. - Carbon says its trainers are educated to create custom programs that help weight-loss drug users preserve lean muscle, progress safely and stay consistent. - Tausz said nutrition support at Carbon focuses on meal planning, protein intake and the right balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats to protect lean muscle while supporting weight-loss goals. - Carbon says recovery amenities such as cold plunges and infrared saunas are built into the member experience. - Brent Laffey, founder of Carbon Performance, said recovery is not separate from results and helps members stay healthy, reduce injury risk and keep showing up. - Carbon says its personalized programs for training clients are designed to balance training stress with the recovery needed to support progress. - Carbon operates four locations in Franklin, Nashville, Atlanta and Charlotte. - Carbon says its facilities include strength and cardio equipment, personal training, nutrition guidance and recovery lounges. - Carbon describes its approach as a “more than a gym” model built around long-term health and sustainable results.

Between the lines: - Some gyms are reacting to GLP-1 demand by exploring referral programs, selling medications or launching GLP-1-branded classes. - Carbon is taking a different approach by emphasizing education, coaching and whole-body support instead of marketing language. - The company is betting that GLP-1 adoption will increase the need for gyms that can help members maintain muscle and build durable habits. - With 1 in 8 U.S. adults currently using GLP-1 medications, Carbon sees the category as part of a larger shift in how people train and manage weight.

What's next: - Carbon said it will keep refining its member-first health ecosystem as more people use GLP-1 medications. - Tausz said the business model is not changing because of GLP-1 use. - The company expects to keep focusing on consistency, recovery and lasting results as demand for weight-loss support evolves. - Analysts project the GLP-1 category could exceed $100 billion annually by the end of the decade, suggesting gym behavior could keep shifting.

The bottom line: - GLP-1 drugs may be changing the weight-loss market, but Carbon Performance is making the case that exercise, nutrition and recovery still decide who keeps the results.