Can AI Replace Personal Trainers? The Pros and Cons of Using ChatGPT for Fitness Advice
In recent months, the popularity of ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence chatbot, has skyrocketed. Many users have even begun turning to this AI bot for workout advice, hailing it as a cheap alternative to hiring a personal trainer. However, some trainers are sounding the alarm, warning that relying on a chatbot for fitness advice can have unforeseen consequences.
AI’s use in providing nutrition and health-related advice has already raised concerns. The National Eating Disorders Association’s chatbot, Tessa, was disabled after users reported receiving weight loss advice from it, as reported by NBC News. Medical experts have cautioned against replacing real-life health professionals with AI chatbots, yet some users still trust these bots with their fitness and health goals.
Ever since ChatGPT gained viral fame at the end of last year, the fear of AI taking over human jobs has spread across multiple industries. From Hollywood screenwriters to HR job recruiters, professionals have been worried about their job security. For some, replacing personal trainers with AI is mainly a cost-saving measure. As one user captioned in a TikTok video, “Workout plans for free. In THIS economy?!” These AI-generated workout videos on TikTok have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
Nicholas Gunning, a former personal trainer in Texas, is documenting his 30-day trial with ChatGPT on Twitter and YouTube. He praises ChatGPT for being budget-friendly, as all you need is an internet connection or cellphone to access it. Human personal trainers can be quite costly, depending on their expertise and location. For example, Nimble Fitness in New York City charges between $120 and $350 per session, and certified personal trainer Jill Goodtree charges between $130 and $170 per session. For people like Sidharath Chhatani in Denver, using AI for personal training is a cheaper alternative. Chhatani spends less than $100 per year on subscriptions to AI-powered workout apps Aaptiv and Fitbod, two of the most downloaded AI fitness apps globally in the last year, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. Comparatively, a single personal training session would cost Chhatani at least $80.
Chhatani plans to use ChatGPT for the next eight months to train for his first marathon. ChatGPT provides him with personalized weekly training plans that include a 40-minute lower-body workout and a half-hour yoga session. Chhatani appreciates the convenience of relying on a bot for training advice, saying, “I’ve never run a marathon, which is why it’s easier to do it this way. Just ask a bot to do it for you.”
Both Chhatani and Gunning believe that ChatGPT can offer the same versatility as a human trainer. ChatGPT can modify Chhatani’s workout schedule based on his travel plans, and Gunning can request exercises that specifically target certain muscle groups. As Gunning explains, “It gives me the workout, it gives me instructions on how to do that specific (workout), exactly what a trainer would do.”
However, personal trainers caution that using ChatGPT as a trainer may lead to lackluster results or worse, potential harm. Goodtree discovered this firsthand when she asked OpenAI’s generative chatbot to create an upper-body workout for muscle growth. ChatGPT suggested three sets of exercises like push-ups and bicep curls, which Goodtree believes is insufficient for most people looking to build muscle mass. She also pointed out that ChatGPT is incapable of assessing form, a crucial skill in personal training. Goodtree warns, “ChatGPT cannot keep you safe.”
In agreement, Daniel Lucas, a personal trainer with 25 years of experience, found numerous gaps in a ChatGPT-generated workout plan when NBC News asked him to review a plan shared on Reddit. According to Lucas, ChatGPT lacks specificity. For instance, the plan included five to ten minutes of stretching after each session but failed to specify which muscles to stretch. Lucas warns that stretching the wrong muscle could lead to weakening it. Additionally, ChatGPT suggested eight to twelve repetitions of planks for a Thursday workout, while Lucas explains that planks should be measured by set time rather than repetitions.
Despite these concerns, some personal trainers are optimistic about the role of AI in their careers and the fitness industry as a whole. Lucas believes that AI-generated workout plans can encourage more people to exercise, emphasizing that anything that gets people moving and distinguishes between simple exercise and proper training is a positive development. Similarly, Thomas McGee, an online fitness and nutrition coach, sees AI as a way for personal trainers to enhance their business models. McGee has launched a free AI workout builder that allows users to answer a set of questions and receive a customized weekly workout plan with sets, repetitions, and meal plan suggestions. McGee recommends the AI app to clients who are solely interested in a workout plan but often finds that they eventually need more personalized guidance.
Nevertheless, personal trainers caution against relying solely on generative AI for fitness advice. Goodtree advises ChatGPT users to take its suggestions at face value and always consult a doctor or certified professional before engaging in any fitness activity. For nutrition plans, Goodtree refers her clients to registered dietitians. However, many users turn to ChatGPT for both workout and nutritional advice.
One limitation of AI personal trainers that both personal trainers and users alike have observed is the lack of human connection. Personal trainer Daniel Lucas emphasizes, “There’s no substitute for human contact and human energy.” He believes that genuine human interaction involves the exchange of energy, which AI is unable to provide.
In conclusion, while AI chatbots like ChatGPT offer convenience and cost savings, they cannot fully replace the expertise and personalized guidance of a human personal trainer. Personal trainers acknowledge that AI-generated workout plans can be beneficial in getting people started on their fitness journeys and encouraging exercise. However, they stress the importance of human connection, the ability to assess form, and the need for personalized guidance. Ultimately, individuals should approach AI-generated fitness advice with caution, always seeking input from professionals and relying on their own judgment.
Editor’s Notes:
AI-generated fitness advice has undoubtedly gained popularity, driven by factors such as cost savings and convenience. However, this trend raises important questions about the limitations of AI and its impact on personal training. While AI can be a valuable tool for providing basic workout plans, it falls short in many areas that require human expertise, such as form assessment and individualized guidance. As AI continues to evolve, it is crucial to strike a balance and find ways to leverage this technology while still prioritizing the irreplaceable human connection in the fitness industry.
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