As we discussed in a recent article, the advent of fitness-related wearable technology seems to have exploded. Taking this a step further, some tech companies have devised ways of tapping into the potential of artificial intelligence, or AI, for use in the fitness industry. Here we explore the possible benefits of AI-driven personal training and coaching to both the trainer and the client, as well as dealing with the legal and ethical issues that may arise.
Relationships and AI
When a client hires a personal trainer, he hires so much more than a simple guide /workout partner. A relationship that develops between a client and trainer encompasses trust, listening skills, patience, personality traits, and professional judgment. Using the figure below, we can visualize the interdependence of these aspects in such a relationship ~
Figure 1. A model of ethical interdependence in coaching (Diller, Passmore, and Frey Citation2023).
In considering the addition of that “third party involvement, we can see the dynamics shift completely. The benefits that come with AI as the third party abound, as we will see. However, as professionals we must equally weigh the ethics and potential ramifications.
What AI Can Offer Personal Trainers
When we speak of the ethical use of AI in personal training, we refer to utilizing AI as a supportive tool to enhance training programs. Research has documented the multitude of ways in which artificial intelligence can greatly enhance the dynamic between trainer and client. Below we outline several positive aspects ~
- AI Offers Personalized Workout Recommendations: AI algorithms can analyze data such as client fitness goals, health conditions, and exercise preferences. A trainer can then utilize this feedback to generate customized workout plans. Such accurate and personalized workouts strive to optimize results while also minimizing injury risks.
- AI Can Enable Virtual Personal Training: AI-powered virtual trainers offer real-time guidance during workouts. By utilizing computer vision technology, virtual trainers can analyze exercise form. This tool then provides instant feedback to the client on his technique. Based upon a client’s progress and performance, AI has the capacity to adjust the complexity of exercises, thereby making workouts more challenging.
- AI Offers Data Analysis and Performance Tracking: If a client wears certain fitness trackers or has uploaded certain apps on his mobile phone, AI algorithms can analyze the data culled from these and offer insights into exercise adherence, progress, and performance.
- AI Uses Natural Language Processing for Client Support: AI-powered “virtual assistants” can make use of something referred to as natural language processing (NLP) to answer any questions the client may have regarding his exercises. These AI systems go one step further by offering tips on nutrition, exercise techniques and scheduling. In this manner, AI essentially offers round-the-clock support.
- Client Behavior Analysis: By understanding the patterns in a client’s behavior (workout schedules, intensity, engagement, etc.), AI algorithms can identify potential barriers to success and offer tailored recommendations on how to keep motivation high during a plateau or temporary hiatus from exercising.
- AI Helps Predict Potential Injury and Prevention:AI algorithms can analyze client data on any previously sustained injuries and predict any possibility for further or even different injuries, given the client’s current workout program. This information affords a trainer the opportunity to modify training in an effort to reduce the likelihood of injuries.
- AI Can Track Rehab: AI programs have the ability to facilitate rehabilitation and/or concussion management by tracking a patient’s progress, offering data-obtained insights into when a patient can return to activity.
Enter the Ethics Dilemma
While we cannot deny the brilliance of some of these capabilities, we must also address ethical concerns. Protecting the integrity/privacy of the myriad health information that AI algorithms garner on clients must remain at the forefront of a trainer’s mind. We must exhibit transparency by letting the client know exactly what data the AI uses, and further, obtain their consent.
Another major consideration relates to the issue of potential oversight with the AI-generated workouts. As humans, we possess judgment that a machine lacks. When utilizing AI, the trainer must review the program’s suggestions for his client before moving forward. Fitness centers must ensure that their trainers learn the specifics as well as the limitations of AI before using the technology. Related to this judgment point, trainers may find themselves relying too much on AI and ceasing to apply what they inherently know about their clients.
AI systems may also reflect biases in their programming or data, leading to unequal treatment outcomes. For example, an AI tool developed with data from a specific population might not be as effective for patients from different backgrounds.
Technology Within a Holistic Realm
Often an AI-generated workout plan relies upon databases which can contain built-in generalizations about particular demographics. A human recognizes the importance of diversity, and must use caution if he feels the AI program failed to consider such things as gender, age or ethnicity of a client. We can sidestep misleading or incorrect information by ascertaining the scientific accuracy of the algorithm.
Copyright Infringement
What happens when an AI-generated workout protocol too closely resembles a copyright from the Internet? AI developers claim that using copyrighted data for training falls under fair use doctrines, since it creates new value without directly competing with the original work. The training data evolved into serving a completely different purpose – an AI model. However, content creators argue that this still constitutes copyright infringement; AI has reproduced and stored their intellectual property without their permission. This can then lead the originator down the unfortunate path of lost licensing revenue.
The legalities of AI lie in a very gray area. Some lawmakers have suggested updating copyright laws to include data mining exceptions. They have likewise purported that developers must license data. Clearly, more decision-making will evolve as AI technology use expands.
Some generative AI platforms have incited heated legal debates surrounding copyright infringement. When generating a workout, AI models have access to images from the Internet, including those that possess a copyright. This raises legal concerns when AI “reproduces” parts of these images. Even slight differences in appearance may not protect AI systems from liability.
Who Holds Liability for Injuries?
AI-generated fitness coaching, while still in its infancy, must face some very grown-up and real problems. Consider the possibility of an AI-generated workout causing an injury to the client. Who should bear the culpability: the AI developer, the company utilizing it, the personal trainer or the client?
Most quality gyms and fitness centers today require their personal trainers to hold at least 1 national certification. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum lies artificial intelligence, whose fitness advice does not come with – nor does it require — professional certification. Therein lie the questions surrounding liability if improper AI guidance leads to harm What recourse should a client have? Must the trainer assume the burden of the programming suggested by AI, culled from thousands of different databases? Is a trainer’s professional oversight enough to protect him and the fitness center from a lawsuit? In the absence of certification requirements, standards of care begin to get muddled.
As AI coaching expands — or dominates – to the point where clients choose to no longer engage the services of a personal trainer, we may begin to see a higher level of scrutiny surrounding issues of accountability. Companies would ideally strive to demonstrate that their AI possesses a level of competency on par with human experts. This premise could face tremendous challenges as well as stern opposition.
No Talk, No Trust
Overall, ethics in coaching remains a dominant point of concern, primarily due to its potentially harmful consequences for clients, coaches, and organizations hosting team sports. Coaches have raised concerns about the loss of communication when utilizing artificial intelligence. When the relationship builds between a client and AI, a coach has trouble establishing trust with an athlete. Coaches also cite the potential for technology to disrupt their process.
Do Personal Trainers and Coaches Feel Threatened?
Artificial intelligence coaching or personal training, as in any other professional service roles, certainly offers many benefits to both the athlete and the professional. However, as AI can act autonomously and, some may predict, surpass human performance, it can easily create a threat for those of us in the professional fitness realm. A recent research study looked at whether or not coaches reacted to the topic of AI with a heightened threat-related affect, which in turn could certainly color their attitudes regarding employing AI at all. As the researchers predicted, the topic of incorporating AI into training did indeed evoke higher behavioral inhibition and lower behavioral activation states. This position, in turn, lead to fitness professionals demonstrating a more negative opinion of AI in coaching. In order to move forward with the pace of technology, perhaps some manner of hybrid approach between responsible AI and ethically skilled professional trainers could develop. More work in this area will ultimately tell us if trainers continue to feel a threat to job security as AI advances.
Take-home Message and Points to Ponder
The future has arrived, whether our industry feels ready or not to fully accept and integrate it into our daily jobs. As we attempt to embrace AI, trainers bear the responsibility of making sure that such technology gets utilized only in ways that uphold the integrity of our profession.
We can accomplish this by regularly assessing the performance/ effectiveness of the technology and AI tools we choose to utilize. We must remain vigilant about observing their impact on client outcomes, engagement, and satisfaction. Most importantly, we must strive to maintain/increase interpersonal relationships with our clients, human-to-human, so as not to let go of the personal touch, a hallmark of our trade.
By carefully considering these factors, safe and effective integration of technology and AI into the fitness realm could happen. We must strive to figure out the best manner in which to leverage the benefits of technological advancements while still prioritizing client well-being, privacy, and providing exceptional training experiences.
References:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17521882.2024.2368598?src=recsys
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13678868.2024.2375934?src=recsys
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13678868.2024.2315928
Cathleen Kronemer is an NFPT CEC writer and a member of the NFPT Certification Council Board. Cathleen is an AFAA-Certified Group Exercise Instructor, NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, ACE-Certified Health Coach, former competitive bodybuilder and freelance writer. She is employed at the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis, MO. Cathleen has been involved in the fitness industry for over three decades. Feel free to contact her at trainhard@kronemer.com. She welcomes your feedback and your comments!
