As a qualified PT and nutritionist, I was disheartened and rather annoyed to read a friend’s Facebook post about needing the services I offer, and a comment below – “Just go on ChatGPT, it will give you all the information you need”. This is a tale that is being repeated over and over in many industries, with repetitive and predictable tasks being delegated to technology – think chat bots, self checkouts, and even accountancy with reconciliation becoming nothing more than the touch of a button. Technology has been a factor in fitness for some years now, with smart watches that will do far more than simply counting your steps, and (an impulse purchase of mine) a mirror resembling a giant mobile phone that tracks your movement to its recorded exercises and gives you feedback. So could technology replace the role of a PT and nutritionist entirely?
Let’s look at the reasons people seek these services – a survey by Insure4Sport shows that 57% of people engaged the services of a personal trainer for weight loss, yet the same survey showed that the main reason for discontinuation was the cost. Personal training is a luxury item, and one of the first items to be discarded when budgets have to be tightened. It makes sense therefore that people can turn to ChatGPT for a programme, and get a personalised plan of nutrition by simply entering their age, sex, weight and height. Easy, simple and free, right?
Wrong. There is one factor that AI can’t offer – the human touch. Personal trainers are more than just walking, breathing instruction manuals. When we are dealing with people that are often deeply unhappy with how they look, and feel the societal pressure to look a certain way (visible six pack anyone?), we become like therapists, motivators, accountability buddies, advice givers and more. We celebrate every pound lost, and we offer the encouragement to get up early and go for that run. We empathise with your frustration when you gain a few pounds, and supportively guide you back on track. Those are factors that AI, no matter how advanced, can’t replace – ChatGPT is not going to text you at 6am and nudge you to get your trainers on and get moving. It may give you your target protein intake, but its very structure means that it is not a suitable listening ear when you are craving a tub of Ben & Jerry’s (I know, I’ve tried!).
So can AI replace the personal trainer? The answer – it depends. If you are self-motivated, and have a good knowledge of fitness already, then yes, absolutely. But if, like the majority of people engaging PT services, you need a bit of help and guidance, the human option will always be the best one. I will continue to use AI to support my business, but it will be me personally, reaching out to my clients at 6am, reminding them that it is time to shake off the sleepiness and get moving!
Kate Stapleton
www.katestapletonservices.co.uk
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