THE SERVICE™ GLP-1 EXERCISE FRAMEWORK: FOUR PHASES OF EXERCISE PROGRESSION

Exercise recommendations should evolve as the patient’s clinical situation changes.

The framework follows four treatment phases:

PHASE 1: REDUCED DOSE (INITIATION/TITRATION)

Clinical Exercise Goal: Establish the Foundation

During medication initiation, patients are adapting to:

• New medication effects
• Changes in appetite
• Altered energy availability
• New lifestyle behaviors
• Beginning exercise habits

Exercise Priorities:

• Establish consistency
• Teach safe movement patterns
• Build confidence
• Introduce resistance training
• Support early muscle preservation

Exercise Approach:

• Beginner-friendly resistance training
• Full-body workouts
• Moderate intensity
• Emphasis on technique and adherence
• Focus on adherence

Primary Objective:

Help patients successfully begin an exercise routine they can maintain.

PHASE 2: FULL DOSE (THERAPEUTIC PHASE)

Clinical Exercise Goal: Maximize Muscle Preservation and Fitness Progress

Once patients are established on medication and have developed exercise consistency, the focus progresses toward improving training effectiveness.

Exercise Priorities:

• Increase resistance training structure
• Progress strength development
• Support lean muscle preservation during continued weight loss
• Improve cardiovascular fitness
• Support positive body composition changes

Exercise Approach:

• Progressive resistance training
• Increased training volume
• Progressive overload principles
• Individualized weekly programming
• Continued cardiovascular development

Primary Objective:

Optimize exercise adaptation while supporting continued health improvements during treatment.

PHASE 3: TAPERING (MEDICATION TRANSITION)

Clinical Exercise Goal: Protect Results During Transition

As medication dosage decreases, patients may experience changes in:

• Appetite regulation
• Hunger signals
• Eating patterns
• Exercise confidence

This phase focuses on helping patients transition from medication-supported weight loss toward long-term self-management.

Exercise Priorities:

• Maintain strength
• Continue consistent training
• Support healthy body composition
• Build confidence with independent exercise habits
• Support long-term weight maintenance strategies

Exercise Approach:

• Maintain resistance training
• Continue cardiovascular exercise
• Adjust exercise based on patient response
• Emphasize sustainable routines

Primary Objective:

Help patients protect progress and prepare for long-term independence.

PHASE 4: OFF GLP-1/MAINTENANCE)

Clinical Exercise Goal: Long-Term Health and Lifestyle Independence

After medication discontinuation, exercise becomes an important component of long-term health maintenance.

Exercise Priorities:

• Maintain muscle and strength
• Support healthy body composition
• Maintain cardiovascular fitness
• Continue lifelong movement habits
• Improve long-term physical function

Exercise Approach:

• Sustainable strength training
• Regular cardiovascular activity
• Long-term progression
• Lifestyle integration

Primary Objective:

Create an exercise strategy patients can maintain for years.

PATIENTS WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM EXERCISE REFERRAL

The SERVICE™ GLP-1 Exercise Framework for Healthcare Providers may benefit patients who:

• Are beginning GLP-1 medication therapy
• Have limited exercise experience
• Are uncertain how to begin resistance training
• Are concerned about maintaining strength during weight loss
• Are transitioning medication doses
• Want structured support after achieving weight loss goals
• Need guidance developing long-term exercise habits

Common referral concerns include:

“How should I exercise while taking GLP-1 medication?”

“How can I support muscle preservation during weight loss?”

“What should my exercise program look like when medication changes?”

“How can I maintain my results long term?”

CONSIDER REFERRAL WHEN PATIENTS NEED:

• Exercise guidance beyond general recommendations
• Individualized resistance training instruction
• Support developing exercise confidence
• A structured progression plan
• Home or gym-based exercise options
• Guidance transitioning between treatment phases

EXERCISE SERVICES PROVIDED

Individualized Exercise Programming – visit our coaching page for details

Services may include:

• Exercise readiness assessment
• Movement evaluation
• Exercise confidence development
• Proper technique instruction
• Home exercise programming
• Gym-based exercise programming

Strength Training Programming

Focus areas include:

• Resistance training prescription
• Progressive overload strategies
• Strength development
• Lean muscle preservation support
• Exercise progression based on patient ability

GLP-1 Transition Support

Support may include:

• Exercise adjustments during medication changes
• Maintenance planning
• Long-term exercise strategies
• Development of independent exercise habits

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