Equinox has created an educational programme for its performance coaches that will enable them to train members who are on weight loss drugs by learning how to design workouts and schedules for those experiencing side effects, such as loss of muscle mass.

The training programmes are being delivered by the Equinox Fitness Training Institute and will equip staff to coach members who are using drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and GLP-1.

Discussing the initiative, Equinox club coach, Michael Crandall, who’s leading the programme, told people.com: "We're seeing an uptick in members who are using – or are interested in using – weight loss drugs and there are scenarios where they’re either losing weight too quickly, or are unhappy with their bodies after they've been on the drug – or they plateau while on the drug.

"That's where Equinox coaching can help build better habits and teach them what maintenance of weight loss actually looks like," he said.

"The drugs work so well, but we felt something really important was missing for clients who are on them. Weight loss interventions should always be done with a training programme to get the best results,” he said.

"If someone lost 50 pounds, it would be impossible for them to not also lose lean body mass, so we'll help them mitigate that loss, whether it's through aerobic or anaerobic conditioning or strength training."

The most important aspect of the programme said Crandall, is for performance coaches to appreciate that people don’t want to be permanently taking weight loss drugs: "A big part of this coaching process will be habit-coaching members for the rest of their lives," he said. "Our clients are thinking about weight loss for the long-term, and they're very motivated to keep the weight off. What we're doing is empowering them so when they ease themselves off the drugs, they won't be nervous they're just going to put the weight right back on."

Equinox is a major trainer of fitness professionals and last May CEO, Scott DeRue, said the company was committed to hiring 5,000 more performance coaches in the next two years to drive its growth plan.

"People around the world want to live a high-performance lifestyle, and the desire to be a part of the Equinox community has never been stronger,” he said. “To support our members, we're making a bold commitment of hiring 5,000 performance coaches, investing in their training and education and developing new personal training programmes to help our members achieve extraordinary results.”

Equinox performance coaches are certified in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and performance protocols. In addition, the company has partnered with Lionel University to create a certification programme that offers uncertified candidates an accelerated pathway into Equinox's training and development programme with the cost fully covered by Equinox.

All performance coaches then continue their personal and professional development through a curriculum offered by the Equinox Fitness Training Institute

Footnote:

The UK government has announced a £40m two-year pilot study into weight loss drugs and to explore the expansion of specialist weight management services outside of hospital settings. If plans go ahead this will pave the way for the fitness sector to partner with the NHS to run programmes to support people on their weight loss journey.