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Echelon's New AI Chatbot Targets Consumer Retention Through Hyper-Personalized Fitness | PYMNTS.com
Echelon Fitness is rolling out a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) assistant for the users of its fitness equipment that adds a unique personalization capability: You can "talk" to a chatbot to make changes to your custom workout plan. See too many 45-minute workouts in the schedule? Audibly tell the AI to swap those out with shorter regimens, just like one would speak to ChatGPT. Going on a business trip? Tell the AI to only schedule exercises that don't require gym equipment for the days you're out of town. The launch comes at a time of increasing interest in AI-powered fitness capabilities, such as those offered by Peloton, Google Coach, Strava and others. While many fitness companies or apps use AI to customize workouts for the individual, most don't offer a voice conversational AI. The chatbot is part of the new Echelon Intelligence platform developed in collaboration with AWS. It uses generative AI to create 2-week custom fitness plans based on the user's workout history, style and preferences. The chatbot, which is included in Echelon's Premier plan, can make changes to the workout schedule just by telling it to do so. Echelon aims to address a big challenge in fitness: Make sure users stay on their workout regimen whether they're at home or in the gym. "That was one of the things we wanted to do -- bridge that gap between home and gym fitness," said John Santo, co-founder and chief product and technology officer at Echelon, in an interview with PYMNTS. "Everybody's sort of hybrid now. You work at home a little bit. You go to the office," he said. "Now, you go to the gym; you work out at home. So we wanted to bring that together, and we did." PYMNTS Intelligence data has also shown that consumers are looking for easy ways to multitask and get the most out of their time. Read more: Fitness Industry Looks to AI to Bring in Consumers, Profits Echelon makes treadmills, exercise bikes and other fitness equipment. It offers live or on-demand fitness classes in equipment with screens. Santo said Echelon serves over a million users globally and its equipment is found in 8,000 gyms, hotels, apartments and fitness studios. Santo said Echelon used Amazon GenAI models to analyze members' fitness assessments and goals. Amazon OpenSearch's vector search can match users with classes and instructors based on their workout history. AI also analyzes what factors made a user stick to working out and offers suggestions. For example, if it notices that a user worked out in the same live-streamed class as another individual and they both belong to the same Echelon community group, the AI can suggest connecting to the other person as an accountability buddy to encourage each other to keep going. "Discouragement is the thing that kills fitness," Santo said. Early testing indicates that GenAI customization could increase customer retention by at least 7%, which Santo said is a "meaningful" number. See Also: Peloton Continues Comeback With Strong Subscription Metrics Asked what made Echelon tackle GenAI when many companies still shy away from full deployment, Santo said the company has always been data-driven. Using GenAI that constantly learns from new data will help their customers hit their fitness goals, he said. Key to deployment was working with AWS engineers who taught Echelon's technical team how to maintain the generative AI system. Santo said his team learned to add content to the AI by themselves. "If you start now and start small and get your team exposure to it, then they become more comfortable with it and it becomes a lot easier for them to adopt it and the resistance becomes less," Santo said. Generative AI also did not balloon Echelon's IT costs. Santo said it added at most 5% more because of the way they structured the system. Generative AI can be a variable cost. Any time a user prompts a chatbot and gets an answer, the amount of text sent and received carries a fee based on volume. But Santo said the system creates a 2-week schedule based on a user's past data, and users only interact with the chatbot to make changes. This keeps the costs down since the chatbot is not writing essays. "We're not incurring a lot of LLM fees going back and forth all the time," Santo said. Related: Top Fitness Apps of 2024: Features Elevate User Experience and Health Goals However, Echelon did have to prepare its data for AI. Santo said the company went through "a lot" of rounds of sanitizing its data and inputs that go into the AI model. Santo noted that Echelon has been interested in using machine learning since 2019 but realized that the data within its organization and the structure of its content platform were not set up for it. For example, "we redesigned our entire content library for better search. We put it on (AWS') OpenSearch, where it's more like a Google search," Santo said. "It's a lot more organized now." Their data-cleaning efforts led Echelon to generative AI. "It really was like a long journey to get where we are," Santo said. "We always try to have a three-year 'look-forward' plan. ... That really helped us." Sanitizing the data also helped reduce hallucinations. Santo said there typically isn't a lot that occurs, since the chatbot isn't asked about facts nor does it create its own content. But the AI can get dates and times wrong. "One of the things LLMs really have trouble with is telling what time of day it is or what day it is," Santo said. "Not very good at it." Looking ahead, Santo said Echelon plans to add live classes into personalized workout schedules within the next 30 days. The company is also working on a white-label app it can license to gyms that can generate workout plans based on specific gym layouts and available equipment. "We're really going to be pushing hard into the commercial space in the next few months," he said.
PYMNTS.com
Tue, 25 Mar, 8:26 PM UTC
I'm a personal trainer -- ChatGPT built me a 15-minute mobility routine for looser hips, and I'm surprised by the results
As a trainer who has been watching ChatGPT and AI become more and more prominent within the fitness industry, I wanted to put it to the test. It's not the first time -- I asked Chat GPT to build a 4-week workout program a while back, and I had mixed emotions about the results. More than two years later, and even further down the line of AI development, I decided to put it to the test again. This time, I asked for a 15-minute hip mobility routine that I could do from home using just one of the best yoga mats as equipment. I explained that I consider myself toward the advanced end of the mobility scale, and let it do its thing. Spoiler alert, it didn't reinvent the wheel or astound me in any way. I believe personal trainers still have the edge with creative flair and personal approach, but given that I fed the bot basic commands, I was pleasantly surprised by the routine. Here's what ChatGPT designed, my verdict and how you can try the routine yourself. I'm quite old school with my training beliefs, so I won't pretend I didn't want ChatGPT to fail -- just a little. I believe there will always be the personal element of a "personal" trainer that AI won't be able to replicate. Factors like spotting, injury management and on-the-spot adaptations require a human touch. However, I know I need to embrace technology because, yes, it can be helpful for those who might not have access to personal trainers or need a little extra support or inspiration. And ChatGPT didn't fail me with this hip mobility routine. It's basic, but so were my commands: "Please put together a 15-minute hip mobility routine I can do using a yoga mat at home for a female with no current injuries who weightlifts." ChatGPT said: "Here's a 15-minute hip mobility routine designed for a female weightlifter. It will target hip flexibility, mobility and stability to improve your performance and prevent injury. Perform each movement with control, focusing on deep stretches and active mobility. You can do this on your yoga mat." After 5-6 rounds, move into a deep hip stretch by bringing one knee forward between your hands, with the back leg extended behind you (low lunge). Hold the stretch for 30 seconds on each side, then return to cat-cow for a few more rounds. Lean forward slightly to intensify the stretch, feeling the hips open. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides. Repeat 3 times. Hold the twist for a few seconds, then bring your hand back to the floor. Straighten your legs and push your hips back to feel a hamstring stretch. Switch sides after 90 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times. Focus on full-range motion and deep engagement of the hip flexors and glutes. Move from side to side, holding each squat for a second before switching. Do 8-10 reps per side. Hold the stretch for 1 minute on each side, focusing on breathing and relaxing into the stretch. Hold each side for 1 minute, gently pushing your hips forward with each exhale. According to ChatGPT, this routine improves active and passive hip mobility, which is "essential for an advanced weightlifter." ChatGPT also tells me this is great for my range of motion and for reducing tightness caused by heavy lifting. As I already mentioned, yes, the routine is basic. But so are the step-by-step instructions, which are disappointing. That said, my commands were too, so I'm still impressed that it built me a program not a million miles off what I'd program myself. As we're learning, the more specific you get with your instructions, the more specific the results. If I didn't know each of these moves already, I'd need to look into them further rather than rely on the instructions above. For that reason, I've included videos and images so you can follow along in your own time. I like that the routine considers the importance of flexibility and stretching, which aren't the same thing and can be overlooked. Typically, you'd save deep, static stretches for post-workout and cool-downs for best results; active stretching and mobility are better for pre-workout to prepare the joints and muscles for motion. Mobility refers to the range of motion performed around a joint or set of joints, like the hip circles and Cossack squats above, whereas stretches like pigeon pose and 90-90 allow muscles to lengthen and relax, improving muscular flexibility and contributing toward range of motion. Both are beneficial, improving the quality of your movements during exercise and regular daily life. While these are the types of exercises I'd program myself, I'd perform the hip circles from the tabletop position to improve overall range of motion and activate the wrists and forearms. You've got guidelines for how long to spend on each exercise and repetitions, although you've also got freedom to spend as long as you like on each movement. There's a problem I still have with ChatGPT. Trainers build a complete picture of their clients and tailor their programs accordingly, adapting them every few weeks or on the spot if necessary. If you're not an advanced exerciser and choose to use a program like ChatGPT for workout programming, you'll need to take on full accountability, knowing what to ask and what information is relevant, then adapt as you go. You'll also need to consider how often you adapt as you get fitter and stronger. That requires existing knowledge from the person asking the questions -- more likely coaches in the first instance, depending on your experience with exercise. After all, a bot isn't able to watch you work out (yet). ChatGPT can't yet deliver the uniquely in-depth and individualized service that a fitness trainer or coach could, but it doesn't do a bad job at all. I still think teaching requires intricacy, adaptation and progression led by the trainer-client relationship. But if you need to whip up a quick mobility program you can perform from home, this certainly does the job. I'm under no illusion that ChatGPT has taken over the coach role. Here's the question -- could it?
Tom's Guide
Wed, 16 Apr, 10:03 AM UTC
I made a personalized workout plan with Claude AI -- here's how to do it
Struggling to find the right workout routine? AI's got you covered. Claude, Anthropic's advanced AI model, is revolutionizing personal fitness, by creating tailored exercise plans. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all approaches that leave us frustrated and unmotivated. Instead, Claude harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to design a fitness regimen specifically for you. This innovative AI-driven approach to workout planning isn't just for elite athletes or tech enthusiasts -- it's accessible to anyone seeking a more personalized fitness experience. Claude analyzes your unique needs, goals, and lifestyle to craft a routine that fits seamlessly into your life. In this guide, we'll explore how Claude can help you develop a bespoke workout plan. Whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or just starting your fitness journey, discover how AI-assisted training could be the key to unlocking your full potential. Let's dive into the world of personalized fitness, powered by Claude. By inputting your specific goals, physical details, and available equipment, Claude generates a comprehensive plan that fits your unique needs. The AI's ability to consider factors like existing health conditions ensures the plan is not just effective, but also safe. What's particularly impressive is the level of detail Claude provides -- from exercise descriptions to progression strategies, and even nutrition advice. This personalized approach feels like having a knowledgeable personal trainer at your fingertips, minus the hefty price tag. AI fitness solutions are constantly evolving. For those seeking more interactive options, you might want to explore alternatives like the workout app that lets you text your personal trainer 24/7, offering real-time support and guidance. If you're interested in equipment-based AI workouts, CAROL Bike's AI-powered workouts provide another innovative approach to fitness. And for those who enjoy a more playful interaction with AI, you could try out these prompts to play games with Claude Artifacts.
Tom's Guide
Thu, 18 Jul, 6:00 AM UTC
Embracing wellness: How AI and tech transform daily fitness - Times of India
Artificial intelligence and technology had transformed daily fitness routines, making them more engaging and personalised. AI-driven platforms provided tailored workouts, smart tracking via wearables, and virtual coaching. Companies integrated AI in corporate wellness programs, promoting employee health. These advancements had reshaped fitness approaches, encouraging healthier lifestyles.
The Times of India
Wed, 31 Jul, 8:00 AM UTC
Can ChatGPT become your new personal trainer?
ChatGPT has already led to many changes across society. People seek help from artificial intelligence for various tasks, including exercise. But can you use it as your personal trainer? An international team of researchers set out to investigate this further. To test the artificial intelligence, they have created five distinct individuals with different genders, ages, illnesses, dietary requirements and training goals. This information was fed into ChatGPT, which generated five different training programs, each lasting for 30 days. The programs were then evaluated by more than 30 fitness experts from around the world, including Professor Stephen Seiler at the University of Agder (UiA). He specializes in research on exercise and collaborates with groups such as Olympiatoppen and the Uno-X cycling team. "The results could have been better, but overall, they were not too bad," Seiler says. "You can also continue the conversation with ChatGPT and get a more specific program. They chose not to do so in this study, but you would probably get even better results by giving more instructions," Seiler says. The research paper, which appears inBiology of Sport, concludes that ChatGPT can provide safe exercise recommendations. However, it also points out that artificial intelligence does not offer the complexity and customization needed for long-term exercise and health improvement. The training programs were primarily focused on maintaining the individuals' physical fitness rather than improving it. Although the results are good, it does not mean that personal trainers will lose their jobs. "This is an example of a training program that you would receive from a personal trainer after your initial session. However, it needs to be customized for the individual as the training progresses, allowing the personal trainer to focus on what they excel at -- the personal touch," Seiler says. Professor Morten Goodwin at UiA is one of Norway's leading experts on artificial intelligence. He is also not concerned about the job prospects of personal trainers. "I have come across lists of jobs that are predicted to vanish with the rise of artificial intelligence. Personal trainers rank low on those lists. Machines cannot replicate the uniquely human," Goodwin says. The link between artificial intelligence and physical activity may not be immediately apparent. However, this topic has received extensive coverage lately. "It is easy to assume that these tools can only generate text since they are language models. But language is where you find knowledge. Using artificial intelligence for exercise is interesting," Goodwin says. Seiler highlights another point that the research did not consider: cost. "Not everyone can afford a personal trainer. This can be a good start for those unable to afford one or who are simply curious," Seiler says.
Medical Xpress - Medical and Health News
Mon, 9 Sept, 4:00 PM UTC
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