2 min readEnhancewell
We've been "talking" to bots for years. How many times have you altered your voice in pitch and volume to get the automated phone service to understand you? Until recently, talking to a human was always preferred. Now, ChatGPT is changing the game for industries across the planet, making it fast and easy to create content without much effort.
In fact, with a simple query, "Which exercises should I do to lose weight and gain muscle?," ChatGPT spit out an entire fitness regimen. Will artificial intelligence (AI) compromise the future of the fitness industry?
If ChatGPT's answer to my question above is any indication, the answer is no.
Human vs. AI
If an Enhancewell Fitness client asked me the same question I asked the bot, I'd answer their question with questions of my own: Do you have any injuries? What is your current fitness level? Do you prefer to go to a gym, exercise outdoors, or use body-weight exercises at home?
Instead, the bot responded that I should do the following exercises to gain muscle:
- Squats
- Deadlifts
- Bench press
- Rows
- Lunges
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
It went on to say that I should add cardiovascular exercises such as:
- Running
- Cycling
- Swimming
This routine may be a good start for adults with a moderate fitness level and no injuries. However, most people who can complete these exercises likely already have a fitness routine. If not explicitly told about them, AI-generated fitness plans will not consider physical fitness or previous injuries, leading to a risk of injury.
In an article for Men's Health, exercise physiologist Dean Somerset, C.S.C.S. talked about how "10 to 20 percent of the population may not do well with the deadlift no matter how you coach it." And that's with coaching. ChatGPT offers no advice on properly completing the exercise or warnings about the risk of injury if done improperly. In case you're wondering, deadlift injuries include spinal cord injuries, pelvic fractures, hip injuries, and meniscus tears. You can't Taylor Swift your way out of these injuries and "shake it off."
On top of that, when CNET used AI to write 77 articles for the site, an audit found that more than half of the AI-generated articles contained factually incorrect information. Correct information without context is dangerous enough, but we only get one body, and AI-dispersed misinformation can lead to a life-changing injury.
How does AI suggest avoiding injury?
When I asked ChatGPT again how I could do those exercises without getting hurt, the bot responded with a few suggestions, but culminated with this: "Seek professional guidance: If you're new to exercise or if you have any concerns about your form or technique, consider working with a certified personal trainer or exercise physiologist who can guide you through your workouts and help you avoid injuries."
As the professionals who guide our clients to a fitter future, it's our job to help them stay up-to-date on the latest technology while warning about potential pitfalls.
AI may play a role in the future of fitness, but it can't replace the one-on-one hands-on practice and form correction that leads to a healthy, pain-free life.
If you need help navigating an AI-driven future, let us help you create messaging that will educate your clients and prove your value in avoiding injuries and crushing goals.