In the yoga or fitness studio, AI could never!
Artificial intelligence is going to change our society in profound ways and we are just at the beginning of this shift. Although I have worries and excitement about the pending changes to our society as AI advances, I know that as an instructor of fitness or yoga, the very nature of leading a class to people and incorporating authentic and meaningful class themes, stories, questions, motivation and of course alignment cues is something that AI could never do.
AI could never go to the front of a yoga or fitness studio, speak to the moment, tell a witty joke about something going on in the room in real time and lead a joyful and inspiring class.
AI could never share their story and about the trials and tribulations they overcame to provide lessons and glimmers of hope and understanding to an audience. AI could never give you a sweaty and enthusiastic high five after they coached you through a physical challenge.
In leading a fitness, yoga, dance, HIIT or any type of exercise class, we as instructors connect person to person. The attendees begin to form a community. We look each other in the eye, embrace with smiles or hugs, listen to each other, laugh, cry and connect.
That’s not even talking about the impact of taking your clients through a physical, emotional or mental journey which is your actual class program. When participants move, breathe, sweat and persevere collectively, they experience a “collective effervescence” which Joy McGonigal outlines in her book The Joy of Movement. Collective effervescence is a self-trancedence where people feel not only connected to each other but also to something bigger than themselves, where teams feel like family, where collective joy is felt and people can dig into a strength to overcome immense challenge (such as running marathons in groups, etc).
In all honesty, we can tap into AI to help us brainstorm, refine and strive toward our goals, but AI can’t DO any of the real work.
As new yoga and fitness instructors, trust in knowing that what you do in the class on the human to human level cannot be replaced by AI. You have your authentic and unique story that makes you who you are, and makes your classes magnetic to those who connect with you and your story. As you continue to develop your voice and your personal brand you will become even that much more defensible to AI.
Our work as yoga and fitness instructors will be even more necessary, as the lines of what is real and what is artificially created and derived will get harder to navigate. The biological need for in-person experiences, to trust and cooperate with each other and to be in community has ensured our species survival. Our classes and communities provide for that human need and what we do as instructors will be even more important as we enter an entirely new era of generative AI.
