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S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Artificial intelligence is changing how people work, learn, and even exercise
AI tools can create workout plans, track data, and offer fitness guidance within seconds. But William Sturgeon, owner of Mind Body Wellness in Sioux Falls, said technology could not replicate three important parts of in-person training: accountability, real-time feedback and human connection
For the people who attended one of his early-morning classes, accountability started with simply showing up
“When you’re in an environment where you’re supported, it makes life easier, because I’ll be honest, doing fitness sucks; it’s hard,” Sturgeon said. “But it’s easier when you have other people there to help you stay accountable.”
Peter Folliard, vice president of innovation at Augustana University, worked with AI every day and watched the technology change industries. But he said his experience in the gym showed him something technology could not replace
“AI can’t replace people and connection,” Folliard said. “It’s not going to connect you like these people will keep you connected, and grounded, and fed in a really deep way. I rely on the workout for my body; I rely on the team for my soul.”
That sense of community was visible throughout the class, where participants worked through exercises together, encouraged one another and joked between sets
Sturgeon said the other major difference was the ability to provide real-time feedback and adjust a workout to the individual
His first question for clients was whether anything had changed since their last session, information that could determine what they did that day
“If we didn’t sleep well, if stress is high, if we need to make adjustments, I’m here to do that with you on the spot,” Sturgeon said
An AI-generated program, he said, could not necessarily account for a person’s limitations, joint health, preferences or how they were feeling that day
“It doesn’t understand your body, it doesn’t understand your limitations, it doesn’t understand what exercises are going to be best and appropriate for your joints,” Sturgeon said
But for him, the limitations of AI went beyond physical fitness
He said the social connection created in a group setting could be especially meaningful when someone was going through a difficult time
“When you can come to a place and feel comfortable enough to say, ‘Hey, this really bad thing is happening right now,’ but I’m grateful to be here because I’m supported by you people, it’s a feeling you can’t replace,” Sturgeon said
As AI continues making fitness advice more accessible, Sturgeon said technology could still have a role, but it could not replace the people standing beside you. And while AI may be able to write the workout, he said it cannot replicate the accountability, individualized feedback and human connection that can make someone keep coming back
More information on MB Wellness’ response to AI can be found here
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