Dietitian uses aerial yoga to help GLP-1 users maintain muscle mass mass
Wed, July 8, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Aerial yoga involves doing yoga in a fabric swing, allowing participants to lie, hang and do poses above the ground (Photo by WRGB)
A registered dietitian and aerial yoga teacher in Waterford is combining nutrition counseling with movement to help people taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss maintain muscle mass
Aerial yoga involves doing yoga in a fabric swing, allowing participants to lie, hang and do poses above the ground. Dr. Theresa DeLorenzo, owner of Nutrition for Optimal Performance, said the practice has personal meaning for her. “Aerial is my love. I was a gymnast, so aerial is just, feels like I’m my kid again,” DeLorenzo said
DeLorenzo works with people using GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. She said people taking the drugs can lose more than weight, including muscle mass, particularly if they are not exercising while on the medications. “Aerial is a great way to maintain muscle mass. Like you’re pulling yourself up. It’s not, you don’t have to stand there and lift weights. It’s not like that. But you’re using muscle to get into the swing to support yourself and that builds muscle,” she said.
DeLorenzo said she focuses on certain poses, including planks, to work abdominal muscles. She also said the swing adds an element of relaxation, and that yoga can help people connect body and mind
“I use nutrition counseling and yoga therapy together to help people connect to their mind with their body and get out of the food rules that they create in their head,” DeLorenzo said
She said being more in tune can help people better identify the nutrients they need as GLP-1 medications eliminate “food noise” and make people feel less hungry. While she recognizes aerial yoga can look intimidating, she said many people find it more accessible once they try it
“Honestly, a lot of it’s easier. You know, it looks intimidating, but once you get in the swing, it takes pressure off your joints and just the gentle rocking is very soothing,” DeLorenzo said
DeLorenzo said she also works with people who have tried GLP-1 medications but found they were not the right fit because of side effects
