AI is on the rise and it’s getting mixed reviews. ChatGPT, the popular chatbot from OpenAI, is estimated to have reached 100 million monthly active users in January 2023, just two months after its launch. According to a study by the Union Bank of Switzerland, it’s the fastest-growing consumer application in history.
When I first heard of the platform, I didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t until I was scrolling on TikTok and came across a video of a girl who was using ChatGPT as her personal trainer.
As someone who works in the health and fitness industry, I was intrigued and decided to try it out myself. I’ve recently started playing golf, so I asked the AI platform to write me a weekly workout plan to help increase my strength and mobility for the game. I included my height and weight as well.
Here’s what I got back:
“Sure, I’d be happy to help you develop a weekly workout plan to increase your strength and mobility for golf. Here’s a sample plan:
Day 1: Upper body strength training
Warm-up: Five to 10 minutes of light cardio (e.g., treadmill, stationary bike)
Bench press: Three sets of 10 reps
Seated row: Three sets of 10 reps
Overhead press: Three sets of 10 reps
Bicep curls: Three sets of 10 reps
Tricep extensions: Three sets of 10 reps
Day 2: Lower body strength training
Warm-up: Five to 10 minutes of light cardio
Squats: Three sets of 10 reps
Lunges: Three sets of 10 reps per leg
Deadlifts: Three sets of 10 reps
Leg press: Three sets of 10 reps
Calf raises: Three sets of 10 reps
Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Core strength training
Warm-up: Five to 10 minutes of light cardio
Plank: Three sets of 30 seconds
Russian twists: Three sets of 10 reps each side
Bicycle crunches: Three sets of 10 reps each side
Leg raises: Three sets of 10 reps
Back extensions: Three sets of 10 reps
Day 5: Mobility training
Warm-up: Five to 10 minutes of light cardio
Dynamic stretching: 10-15 minutes of stretching exercises that involve movement — e.g., leg swings, arm circles, walking lunges
Foam rolling: 10-15 minutes of using a foam roller to release tight muscles and improve mobility
Day 6: Cardiovascular training
Warm-up: Five to 10 minutes of light cardio
Cardiovascular exercise: 30 to 45 minutes of moderate intensity exercise — e.g., jogging, cycling, swimming
Day 7: Rest
Remember to gradually increase the weight and intensity of your exercises as you get stronger and more comfortable with them. Additionally, it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Consistency and patience are key to seeing results in your strength and mobility for golf. Good luck!”
I kept playing around with the platform. It created a vegetarian meal plan for me for a certain number of calories, excluding food I don’t enjoy and a grocery list to go along with it. It told me about the most popular gyms in my area that I should consider joining. It even gave me the pros and cons of working out at home.
I was impressed by the information I was receiving. However, it also made me wonder how AI is going to impact the fitness industry, something I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking.
There is a plethora of users on TikTok who have used ChatGPT for workouts, nutrition planning, weight loss plans and more — some of these videos have over a million views and 100,000 likes. Knowing this, staff at your facilities may be fearing their jobs are at stake. But I don’t think so.
I think the free AI platform is a great way to introduce new people to fitness and get them into your facility.
While it can crank out workout plans in seconds, it also advises you to consult with a professional. When I asked for additional workouts to improve my golf swing, ChatGPT ended with this, “Remember to consult with a fitness professional or trainer to ensure proper form and technique for these exercises. Also, it’s important to incorporate rest days into your workout routine to allow for recovery and avoid overtraining.”
When I asked for tips on not being afraid when going to the gym, it advised me to hire a personal trainer to provide me with guidance, support and help me feel more confident in the gym.
The advice that stuck out to me the most was this: “Spend some time in the common areas of the gym, such as the stretching area or the locker room. Strike up conversations with people you see regularly and make an effort to be friendly and approachable.”
The AI platform is aware of the one thing it cannot give people — real social interaction.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has been saying that the socialization aspect of fitness facilities is what is going to keep people coming back. With AI on the rise and no sign of slowing down, it’s more important than ever you’re creating environments for social interaction.
Train your staff to greet everyone who walks through the door with a smile and by name. Host events that can help people foster friendships. Offer a buddy pass so new members don’t feel alone. Introduce members who have things in common. Create social gathering spaces at your facility so friendships can form naturally. Overall, have a welcoming environment that encourages members to socialize and feel comfortable.
Regardless of how welcoming your facility is, it won’t stop people from using AI. So now is the time to think of ways your facility can use it to your advantage. Some ideas include:
• Ask for marketing and social media tips on how to get more people into your doors.
• Have the platform produce engaging interview questions to help you find a perfect fit for your facility.
• When raising membership fees, have it craft a message that is encouraging and your members will take well.
• Search the most popular gyms in your area and see if you’re competing.
• Ask it for the best place to put a new location.
Overall, I don’t believe the industry needs to see the rise of AI as doomsday approaching. Instead, I think operators should look at it as another tool in your toolbox. Technology can’t solve all your problems. You still need human interaction to make a lasting impression on members. I encourage you to spend some time on the platform to know what’s coming your way and start thinking now of how to utilize it in the future.
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