Strength Training on Mounjaro & Wegovy in Reading

GLP-1 SUPPORT

On Mounjaro, Wegovy or another weight loss jab? I make sure the weight you lose is fat, not the muscle that keeps you strong. And I also make sure it stays off when you stop the injections.

GLP-1 support to protect your muscles

why you need more than a jab

  • Up to a third of the weight lost on these jabs can be lean mass, including muscle.
  • Losing muscle slows your metabolism, which makes the weight easier to put back on.
  • Most people regain around two-thirds of the weight within a year of stopping.

There's a better, more sustainable way…

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Strength training and protein on Mounjaro and Wegovy

A jab turns down your hunger, but it won’t build your strength or teach you what to eat when you stop. Without the right training, a large share of the weight you lose can be muscle, and that’s the muscle that keeps your metabolism working and stops you looking “deflated”.

That’s where I come in. Two strength sessions a week protect your muscle while the fat comes off. Protein matters just as much: when your appetite is low, it’s easy to fall short, and your body takes what it needs from your muscle instead. I’ll help you plan simple, protein-first meals so every small plate counts. We measure your body composition, not just your weight, so you can see you’re losing fat. By the time you come off the jab, the habits are already yours.

I’ve been a personal trainer since 2012, and I train clients on GLP-1 medication in my private gym in Mortimer Common, near Reading. It’s a short drive from Burghfield, Tadley, Theale and Spencers Wood. Anything about your dose or side effects stays with your prescriber; my job is everything around it.

Read more about muscle loss on weight loss jabs…

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steve buchanan personal trainer

Hello, I'm Steve...

“A jab turns down your hunger. It doesn’t build your strength, fix your eating habits or give you a plan for coming off. That’s where I come in. I’ve been a personal trainer since 2012, and I’m interested in long-term change, not quick fixes.”

  • PT since 2012
  • Professional insurance
  • DBS checked

Work with me from £50 / hr

on the blog

Weight Loss Jabs and Muscle Loss: Why Strength Training Matters

Weight loss jabs and muscle loss

On a weight loss jab? Here’s how to lose fat, not muscle.

Weight loss jabs are everywhere. Friends are on them, colleagues are on them, and the results can be dramatic. If you're on Mounjaro or Wegovy, or thinking about it, I'm not here to talk you out of it. For the right people, these medicines have their place.

But hardly anyone asks this question when they start: what are you actually losing? And the one that follows: what happens when you stop?

how GLP-1 support works

Body composition tracking

A two-hour onboarding session to measure body fat, not just weight, repeated every three to four months so you can see you’re losing fat, not muscle.

Two 60-minute strength sessions a week

Proper resistance training in my private gym, to hold on to your muscle while the weight comes off.

Nutrition accountability & education

When your appetite is low, every mouthful counts. You’ll send me what you eat and learn how to get the protein you need, so the habits are yours when the jab stops.

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Your jab is a medicine, so anything about dose or side effects is for your prescriber. My job is everything around it.

Ready to get more from your jab? Book your GLP-1 support consultation. It’s free!

support with weight loss jabs

happy clients

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Simon Sherliker profile picture
Simon Sherliker
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Steve’s been my PT for 3yrs now and the results have been great. Would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to improve their fitness, strength and general well being, no matter what state of athletic ability they are. He’ll work to ensure your plan is truly bespoke. The cost is also very reasonable and the investment is certainly worth it.
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Chris Thompson profile picture
Chris Thompson
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“It’s a situation I see often Chris, and you’re not on your own.” These are the first words in Steve’s reply to my WhatsApp for arranging a consultation with him. I had done very little in terms of exercise for 10 years, and I wanted to be healthier and fitter before going into retirement. Had a very frank and sincere chat with Steve, he listened, and agreed my objective of getting fitter as the main driver, with the side benefit of losing “some timber”. Since we started, I’ve very rarely done the same exercise twice, and commenced the first session in July. Just over 2 months in I have lost weight, seen a change in body-shape, and have more energy. This is proper one-to-one training in a private gym. Steve listens to you and knows the difference between what you think you can do and what your body can do. He isn’t going to make you a hot chocolate and read you a bedtime story, no, but he will look after you and encourage you. A very good man to have in your corner to work towards the objectives you want to achieve. We also have a good laugh!
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Graham Walker profile picture
Graham Walker
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Steve was recommended to me by a friend and I have been doing PT with him for over a year and a half now. Being over 50, my initial reasons to take up PT were to maintain muscle tone, retain flexibility and to address a weak back. Prior to this I hadn’t spent much time in gyms and didn’t consider myself ever becoming a regular gym attendee. Steve has been excellent with his prescribed workouts and training, he clearly has a great understanding of human physiology and the workouts of the different muscle groups (and the same groups) continually vary which keep things interesting. He is a great coach and a highly motivated individual who I would wholeheartedly recommend; I now have a stronger back and confidence to lift weights I never felt possible which has also improved my overall posture. His focus on correct technique also means I have great confidence in his training and its never dull!
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Tracy Jackson profile picture
Tracy Jackson
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I have been working with Steve ( totally smash it) as my PT for 8 years, we have build a great professional relationship. Every session is different he steps me out of my comfort zone constantly and helped me become so much stronger and fitter. He helped me get though a second heart operation 3 years ago and my recovery was so much quicker because of the work we but in before it and then after rebuilding my strength and fitness levels. Steve also makes the sessions Fun and I’d think there was something missing if I didn’t wake up with aching muscles. I trust him and his training methods and that’s why I’m still training with him after 8 years he gets results but in an encouraging, tough and fun way!
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Sian Perham profile picture
Sian Perham
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Steve has been life changing. I was terrified at the beginning of my PT journey. He is supportive yet challenging and his skill is knowing exactly where that balance exists to get the best results. I can’t always say the sessions are enjoyable (secretly they are 😊), but I can absolutely say they make a difference and having a laugh whilst we do it is always a pleasure. Thanks Steve
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Kate Tetlow profile picture
Kate Tetlow
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I’ve worked with Steve for over a year and he’s been outstanding. Thanks to his knowledge, encouragement, and consistency, I’ve lost over 3 stone, gained strength, improved my fitness, and feel full of energy again.The workouts are challenging, but the results speak for themselves. Steve is supportive, professional, and genuinely invested in your progress. Highly recommend Totally Smashed It.
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Sue Falkiner profile picture
Sue Falkiner
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Steve is the best coach out there. He can make you achieve things that you had thought impossible. I can not recommend Steve and his BoxFit classes highly enough. The passion he has for motivating people shines through every time. Thanks Steve !!
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Mike Perks profile picture
Mike Perks
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I’ve been having PT sessions with Steve for the last 5 years. Every session is different and tailored to me personally. Anyone looking to get fit, stay fit, build muscle or just keep motivated and on track, I would highly recommend Totally Smashed It!
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Jaijai profile picture
Jaijai
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Absolutely amazing Would highly recommend A absolute diamond
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Paula Buffham profile picture
Paula Buffham
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I’ve been training with Steve for many years - every session is different so I never get bored! I went to help keep my strength as I age and I’m so much stronger now than before - I can’t recommend Steve enough

FAQ

What is GLP-1 support, and do I need to be on a jab?

It’s everything around your weight loss jab that the jab itself doesn’t do: strength training to protect your muscle, nutrition coaching so you eat well on a small appetite, and a plan for keeping the weight off when you stop.

It’s for people who are on a jab, about to start, or planning to come off. You don’t need to be on one to train with me; many of my clients have lost weight without one.

Should I exercise on Mounjaro or Wegovy, and can I lose muscle?

Absolutely, yes. Research suggests around a quarter to a third of the weight lost on GLP-1 jabs can be lean mass, which includes muscle. Strength training and enough protein are the best ways to hold on to it. Check with your prescriber before starting any new exercise if you have a health condition.

How much protein do I need on a GLP-1 jab?

Researchers suggest roughly 1.2 to 1.6g of protein per kilo of body weight a day. That can be hard when you’re not hungry, which is why we work on it together: what to eat, when, and how to make small meals count.

Will I put the weight back on when I stop?

Many people do. In one major trial, people regained around two-thirds of the weight they’d lost within a year of stopping. The best protection is building strength and eating habits while you’re still on the jab, so they’re already in place when you come off.

What if I feel sick or tired on the jab?

That’s common, especially after a dose increase. I’ll adjust your sessions around how you feel on the day. Anything to do with side effects or your dose is a conversation for your prescriber.

steve buchanan personal trainer

are we a good fit?

Ready for real change? Book your GLP-1 support free consultation