It’s time to talk about AI. No longer a fringe tech development, artificial intelligent is a legit business tool. You can’t avoid it, so here’s how to put it to work within your business.
AI and GPT in the fitness industry
What do you think of when you think AI? Does your mind go to people using GPTs to generate marketing content, or getting chatbots to manage their DMS? Or phone generating a playlist for class that’s based on stuff you’ve listened to?
If you're using any digital tool in your business, you're dipping your toes in the AI pool. Payment systems, class scheduling software, even your social media analytics all use some form of AI.
- Writing programmes: give it the right kind of prompts, and AI can generate client programmes much faster than you can
- Checking tekkers: AI technique software can track bar paths and joint movements so you can coach clients through lifts
- Automation: AI can be used in your socials, emails, DMs and other parts of your marketing or onboarding funnels
Pros and cons of AI for fitness businesses
The gains
Huge time savings - AI doesn't need small talk or coffee breaks. It can smash through laborious tasks whilst you’re doing something else (or having a coffee break…)
Robot brain – AI certainly has flaws, but they’re not humans ones. It won’t be forgetful, inconsistent, or suffer with brain fog.
Data cruncher – AI can analyse all the data you want to throw at it in seconds.
The pains
Trust issues – can we (and our clients) really trust a robot with matters of the physical body?
Nuance – AI lacks the human ability to apply emotion to grey areas.
Personal touch – AI isn’t great at adding human elements like motivation and empathy.
Where does AI fit in the fitness client journey?
Whether you run a fitness facility or deliver 1-2-1 coaching, what you do is deeply personal. But every fitness professional wrestles with time constraints. How can AI can lend a hand in your fitness business without compromising the important personal touch?
Keep it human for…
- Initial client consultations
- Early touchpoints with prospects
- Goal setting sessions
- Check ins and progress chats
- Motivational support
Consider AI assistance for…
- Programme drafts (that you fine tune)
- Analysing client data
- Scheduling and reminders
- Bookings and payments
- Creating lead magnets like calculators
It’s not your replacement, and it’s not taking over. Think of AI like a lightning-quick intern who will soak up instructions and never need a break.
Client perceptions of AI in fitness
The jury is still out on AI and GPTs. Some people think it’s more reliable, scientific, and objective than humans, and others think it’s “cheating”. Be sure to manage client feelings about AI when you use it in your business.
Be transparent about how you use AI to enhance your services, not replace your expertise and support. It's not AI vs. human, it's about how AI + human = a superhuman service.
How Personal Trainers can join forces with Artificial Intelligence
AI isn't here to steal your job, it's here to help you deliver more value and have a future-proofed business.
- AI as your intern – let AI handle the grunt work like analysing data
- Prompt like a pro – the secret to great AI output is specific, detailed prompt inputs
- Get specific – give AI as much detail as you can about the task, it can’t fill the gaps
- Choose your platform – there are lots of GPTs and LLMs, so find one that you enjoy using
- Play to your strengths –AI is limited by human emotion, you’re limited by time, so use AI wisely
- Review and edit - don't copy-paste AI output, always review, check, and fine-tune its suggestions
