A Seattle-based technologist turned to artificial intelligence to develop a healthier routine and lose weight. Using the free AI chatbot, ChatGPT, Greg Mushen was able to get a personalized plan that helped him get hooked on running.
The plan was simple and gradual
Despite being a self-described "go to 11" person who tends towards gruelling exercise sessions, Mushen was surprised by the simplicity of the plan provided by ChatGPT. It recommended very small steps, with no actual running until day three and then only five minutes. Nonetheless, he decided to follow it, which turned out to be easier than he expected. Gradually, the workload built up, and eventually, he was doing six running workouts a week.
The benefits of the AI chatbot
By using ChatGPT, Mushen was able to save time and money that he would have invested in a running coach. The AI was able to generate ideas and organize information in ways he would not have thought to ask on his own. While he could have gotten the same information from a coach or online research, the AI was a free and accessible way to approach his goals.
The importance of fact-checking
It is important to note that experts have warned that bots can sometimes provide false or out-of-context information. To navigate this, Mushen asked ChatGPT to cite research which he could then reference to see if it was legitimate, and he made sure the advice ChatGPT gave seemed safe and reasonable before trying it.
Moving forward
Despite using ChatGPT to reach his fitness goals, Mushen still considers himself a beginner. However, he believes that he is in a better position to evaluate what a good coach is and that he could benefit from hiring one to provide personalized goals and additional expertise.
