In an era driven by technological advancements, the realm of health and exercise is undergoing a profound transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI), with its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and uncover meaningful patterns, is increasingly finding its place within the domains of personal training and health coaching. The integration of AI into these fields holds immense potential to revolutionize the way professionals deliver services, enhance client experiences and empower them to achieve better health outcomes. By harnessing the power of AI, health coaches and exercise professionals can unlock new avenues of personalization, efficiency and evidence-based decision-making. 

This article serves as a guide for health coaches and exercise professionals looking to navigate the vast landscape of AI and leverage its potential to their advantage. The various applications of AI in personal training and health coaching are discussed, shedding light on its benefits and addressing the ethical considerations that accompany its integration. Additionally, practical strategies and resources are provided that can empower professionals to embrace AI as a valuable ally in their practices. 

As the boundaries between human expertise and technological innovation blur, it is crucial for health coaches and exercise professionals to understand how AI can augment their skills and elevate their impact. By staying at the forefront of this transformative wave, professionals can ensure they are equipped to provide clients with the best possible support, guidance and outcomes. 

AI Opportunities 

At the intersection of computer science, machine learning and advanced data analytics, AI has emerged as a revolutionary force with the ability to enhance and augment human capabilities. From powering virtual assistants and self-driving cars to revolutionizing healthcare and predicting natural disasters, AI's impact spans across numerous industries. Let’s look at some creative and innovative ways AI can help you as a health coach or exercise professional.  

Dr. Ted Vickey, a member of ACE’s Scientific Advisory Panel and fitness technology expert, had this to say about using AI in fitness: “Some tasks are working “IN” your business, and other tasks are working “ON” your business. Working “IN” your business is what you do with the client. The most obvious is the creation of a workout plan. Rather than thinking that what AI generates is the gold standard/expert workout builder, think of it as a way to brainstorm to find the most optimal plan for the client. It’s no different from using a textbook or education from a continuing education course to create the plan—taking various tools you like and can verify to make a workout. I will caution that if you use AI to create an exercise plan, always review it before giving it to a client. That is where you, as the [health coach or exercise] professional, become important. You know your client. You know the science behind exercise and wellness. As for working “ON” your business, these tasks include writing, brainstorming, social media creation, business tasks, instructional content and customer service.” 

Bryan O’Rourke, founder and CEO for Vedere Ventures, adds, “AI can significantly benefit practices in various areas. It can enhance data analysis, enabling tailored… plans precisely. Additionally, AI-driven behavior tracking and predictive analytics help identify patterns and adjust strategies, ultimately improving clients' outcomes and adherence to their goals.” 

In addition, O’Rourke and Vickey agree on another significant question regarding AI and its use in health and exercise. Does AI have the potential to improve accessibility to health and fitness services for a wider population? An enthusiastic “yes” can be heard from both. 

Vickey notes that integrating AI technology can revolutionize how professionals deliver their services, “making them more inclusive, convenient, and personalized.” He highlights three specific ways accessibility can be positively impacted by AI:  

• Online coaching and guidance: AI-powered platforms can provide personalized support to individuals needing in-person services. Regardless of location or limited mobility, people can receive customized workout plans, information about foods to be included in a balanced diet and real-time feedback on their form and technique. This virtual approach eliminates the four physical walls of a gym and other barriers. It opens new possibilities for individuals in remote areas, allowing them to benefit from expert guidance and support.  
• AI-enabled wearable devices and health-monitoring tools: These devices have the potential to transform self-care and preventive healthcare. AI algorithms can provide valuable insights and early detection of potential health issues by continuously collecting and analyzing data on vital signs, activity levels, sleep patterns and more. This ultimately means that consumers, armed with better knowledge and awareness, can take steps to seek early and necessary intervention. It’s important to note that analyzing data to diagnose any conditions or injuries is beyond the scope of health coaches and exercise professionals.

• Personalized recommendations and adaptive programs based on extensive data analysis: AI can be used to assist exercise professionals and heath coaches in creating individualized exercise plans and in determining the best way to communicate principles of healthy nutrition and food preparation. AI is a helpful resource and the data analysis it provides can be valuable. However, AI will not do all of the work for you. As a health coach or exercise professional, you need to provide AI with a robust amount of information about your client to allow the AI to assist you in creating resources that suit your clients’ unique needs, including their health history, preferences and goals. Once generated, the AI content should be carefully reviewed for accuracy and for alignment with your scope of practice. This level of personalization not only improves the effectiveness of health and fitness interventions, but may also enhance engagement and motivation. In addition, people with chronic diseases and older adults may be more likely to adhere to their exercise routines when they are designed specifically for them. 

O’Rourke shares that AI “enables remote support, making health and wellness guidance more convenient and cost-effective.”  

AI Challenges 

Like any tool, invention or trend, there are considerations and potential challenges—or even unanticipated consequences. When exploring the question of, “what challenges exist with AI and what do professionals need to remain conscious and mindful of?” both Vickey and O’Rourke noted challenges that many professionals may not have previously considered. If you use AI, you must do so with caution and remain committed to evidence-based practice. Here’s what they had to share.  

“My first concern is the possible loss of the human touch and personalized interaction that is so important in our profession. Building a solid rapport with clients, understanding their unique needs and goals, and providing tailored guidance are all fundamental aspects of our work,” says Vickey. Empathy is at the heart of everything health coaches and exercise professionals do; finding a balance between what can be automated and what requires a “human touch” is something professionals will need to thoughtfully examine.  

Another challenge paramount to the use of AI in practice is the reliability and accuracy of the AI algorithms. “AI models are trained on vast amounts of data, but there is always a risk of biases or incomplete data influencing their recommendations,” explains Vickey. This is where you, the health coach or exercise professional play an important role. You will always have a duty to review and validate AI-generated plans before implementing them with your clients.  

The third concern both experts emphasize is ethical use and data privacy and security. AI relies heavily on data collection and analysis to make informed decisions, but it isn’t always evidence-based. This means you should be wary of how AI systems will protect and store client information and data. Vickey encourages establishing robust protection measures and compliance with privacy regulations central to your practice. It is essential that you never enter names, location or any other identifying characteristics, as this may be a breach of privacy and confidentiality. 

Vickey says it best when sharing that for AI to be used ethically, professionals must start by “recognizing its limitations and understanding that human expertise and connection are irreplaceable.” In short, AI should be used as a resource or “adjunct” rather than a “replacement” or substitute for your expertise. 

What Tools Are Available?  

The world of AI is advancing rapidly and changing on a near daily basis. An additional challenge to highlight involves simply keeping up with the rapid evolution of the AI landscape. Vickey and O’Rourke share the following tools:  

• ChatGPT 
• Google Bard
• Bing’s AI-powered search capabilities 
• Fitbit and MyFitnessPal assist with comprehensive client assessments, continuous goal tracking and delivering personalized recommendations based on real-time data. 
• Emerging technology, such as Asensei, utilizes camera systems with AI to analyze form and help clients avoid injury.  

Vickey and O’Rourke expect to see tools specifically related to the health and exercise space emerge in short order. The tools that exist now offer a mix of “great” and “needs work” reviews by both Vickey and O’Rourke, but both anticipate that the more prominent players in the fitness industry will be releasing AI-supported tools and platforms.  

The Cornerstone Message 

AI can be viewed as a tool or an assistant—not as a replacement for you, the professional, the human. Your clients need human empathy, unconditional positive regard and a professional who invests their time in understanding their clients as the whole people they are, complete with stressors, stories, successes and goals.  

Be wary of having a “must adopt” mentality. AI is coming, and it’s going to revolutionize the work you do, but you will want to ensure that it doesn’t come at the cost of your professional–client relationships or the evidence-based practices you rely upon to make a client’s experience truly personal.  

If you’re interested in learning more about using AI to gain a competitive edge over your competition, check out the AI Bootcamp for Health and Fitness Coaches (worth 2.0 ACE CECs). This Precision Nutrition course will empower you to position yourself at the forefront of the constantly evolving fitness industry by seamlessly integrating AI into your interactions with clients and other business practices. Used well, AI can help you attract new clients, retain the ones you have and enhance the services you offer.