- Some people are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for fitness coaching.
- However, health experts say there are pros and cons associated with using AI in place of a personal trainer.
- In-the-moment support may be the biggest benefit of a human personal trainer.
ChatGPT has made waves since its launch in November 2022, mainly due to its uncanny ability to use language processing to create human-like conversational dialogue.
From writing impressive cover letters and expert travel guides to creating a near-perfect rap song that Drake himself could write, the AI chatbot amazed the world.
But does it have its place in health and well-being? More specifically, could ChatGPT act as a personal trainer?
“Using ChatGPT as a personal trainer can be a valuable tool for getting basic tips and information regarding fitness and wellness. It can provide general advice, suggest training programs, explain fundamental concepts and offer a moderate level of motivation. » Lee Mitchellpersonal trainer and fitness ambassador for RENPHOtold Healthline.
Accessibility, convenience and the ability to answer queries 24 hours a day are some benefits that AI chatbot brings to those looking to improve their physical condition.
“Many people turn to ChatGPT for fitness advice because of its quick responses and ease of obtaining information without making an appointment or incurring costs,” Mitchell said.
The fact that it’s free is a big draw, added Christine BrunMS, ACSM CPT, nutrition and weight loss coach.
“Unfortunately, many people are not willing to invest in their health up front. They will wait until they have a health emergency and end up spending a lot more money on medical bills,” she told Healthline.
However, Brown acknowledges that turning to ChatGPT to start a workout routine can help some people take the first step in focusing on their health and save them time trying to create their own health plan.
Brown points out that ChatGPT can also help with meal ideas and meal plans.
However, Brown advised caution if relying solely on ChatGPT for nutrition and weight loss advice.
In fact, in May 2023, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) stopped using a chatbot it named Tessa for its Body Positive program because the AI was giving people harmful advice that could trigger or exacerbate eating disorders, such as information about weight loss, count caloriesand measure body fat.
NEDA released a statement on Instagram which included below:
“We noticed last night that the current version of the Tessa Chatbot, which runs the Body Positive program, may have provided information that is harmful and unrelated to the program.”
While ChatGPT has its merits, Mitchell said it can’t replace the depth of experience, expertise and personalized approach that a human personal trainer presents to clients.
“Fitness is not a universal activity. Real-world coaches take into account individual goals, fitness, medical history and physical limitations to develop tailored plans that maximize results while minimizing risks,” he said.
The immediate help and support offered by human fitness trainers cannot be replicated by AI, such as practical advice, form corrections and real-time adjustments.
ChatCPT lacks the ability to offer nuanced counseling and physically assess a person’s condition or track their progress, which is crucial to designing effective programs, Mitchell said.
“Additionally, it cannot adapt to unexpected changes or emotional factors that might impact the fitness journey,” he noted.
The workouts and meal plans offered by ChatGPT may also not be effective in achieving your specific goals, Brown said.
“And you would have to become very adept at incentivizing ChatGPT in order to get something more than just a generic workout or meal plan,” she said.
Additionally, his biggest concern is that he won’t be able to ensure that people are training properly in order to avoid injuries.
At the border level, a universal problem that experts have raised with ChatGPT is that it can present outdated information and misinformation.
Indeed, in July 2023, the Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, to find out whether it is violating consumer protection laws by collecting personal data and disseminating false or misleading information.
Likewise, a
Researchers discovered the following limitations and ethical concerns of ChatGPT:
- May violate copyright laws
- Medical and legal complications may arise
- Sometimes gives inaccurate results
- Sometimes gives biased and harmful results
- Unable to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources
- Sometimes produces irrelevant references
On the other hand, researchers have discovered some benefits of ChatGPT in healthcare below:
- Can be used as a quick search engine
- Research and analysis of available literature
- Can be used for medical education
- Can be used for patient monitoring and rapid follow-up
While ChatGPT can be helpful in researching fitness ideas and meal plans, if a person needs a comprehensive holistic approach focused on their unique, individualized situation, a human with fitness expertise and nutrition is preferable.
“This is especially important for beginners, those with specific goals like muscle gain or weight loss, and people facing injuries or health issues,” Mitchell said.
Using a personal trainer early on when possible is Brown’s advice.
“Only a certified trainer will be able to personalize a program based on your goals, needs, abilities and limitations,” she said.
Additionally, a program created by a personal trainer can help you avoid wasting time on workouts that lead to insufficient results.
“A personal trainer will hold you accountable for actually following your plan in order to achieve your goals,” Brown said. “It will motivate you to keep going when you want to stop.” You won’t get any of this from a computer program.
While some people are turning to artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for fitness coaching, experts say there are pros and cons to consider.
Using ChatGPT as a personal trainer can be a valuable tool for getting basic tips and information regarding fitness and wellness.
However, it may also provide outdated or incorrect information. It may also provide advice that could lead to injury.
Human personal trainers can provide you with in-the-moment advice and help you design a fitness routine that helps you better achieve your goals while avoiding exercises that might be less beneficial.
