With the spectacular advancement and rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, we have the right to question the sustainability of the profession of personal trainer/sports coach in the years to come and wondering if AI will eventually replace trainers in the future.
Indeed, the arrival of an increasingly advanced "intelligent" technology, which already completes an already huge range of training apps, virtual classes, real-time monitoring of our activities 24/7 thanks to connected objects ... raises the question of what the profession of sports coach will look like in the short and medium term
Nowadays, we already use some kind of "technology", using apps to track our clients progress, I-pads or phones to avoid printing thousands of pages of programs and follow up...
But now, the idea of AI-powered personal training is that a computer program could replicate many of the personal trainers tasks, notably its ability to provide customized workout plans by using data on a person's fitness level, goals, and preferences, It could create a personalized workout plan that is tailored to the individual's needs in a couple of seconds ( and to be honest, I can't compete with that! ).
Another advantage of AI-powered personal training is its ability to monitor progress. With the use of wearables and fitness tracking apps, an AI program could track a person's progress in real-time and make adjustments to the workout plan if needed.
However, there are some limitations to AI-powered personal training. As a huge plus, Personal trainers provide an important "human" element to the training process.
I think (and sincerely hope) that trainers will still be considered a serious option when it comes to training individuals due to the human connection and emotional aspect that they bring to the table. This is in contrast to training programs that are powered by artificial intelligence, which may lack the personal touch and emotional engagement that many people find to be important in their fitness journey.
Trainers are able to build a rapport with their clients, getting to know them on a personal level and understanding their unique needs and goals. They can also provide a valuable emotional support to their clients that is often going far beyond training and fitness.
They can help to keep clients accountable and on track, providing encouragement and positive reinforcement when needed. This can be especially important for those who may be struggling with self-doubt or motivation.
Another benefit of working with a personal trainer is the ability to receive immediate feedback and adjustments to your workout. An AI powered workout app or program can only give you a pre-programmed workout and can't adjust it on the spot based on how you're feeling that day or how your body is responding.
On the contrary, your trainer can always give you instant feedback and make adjustments to your workout as needed on the spot, helping to ensure that you are getting the most out of your training.
Right now, to be honest, I am still pretty optimistic and hopeful that AI will mainly supplement personal trainers instead of replacing them, taking care of some tasks more efficiently and/or such as programming, tracking instant progress, pushing the analysis of client's movement during training (and outside of training) even further thanks to technology, thereby improving the clients' personal training experience.
In my humble opinion, trainers still have a bright future ahead of them and it seems unlikely that AI will fully replace the human element of personal training. Expertise, connection, motivation and personalized attention will continue to be valued by many people.