AI fitness instructors sell unreal profits

On a beach in North Tyneside, fitness instructor David Fairlamb is putting around 40 people of all ages through their paces in a group training session.

He has worked in the fitness industry for 30 years – long before social media, let alone artificial intelligence.

Fairlamb, 54, believes AI has its place in fitness programs and nutrition, but says it can’t completely replace real-life training.

“You can’t beat that real person, that real connection, that accountability,” he says.

When AI-generated ads appear that violate ad rules, its response is immediate.

“It’s very wrong. It’s very misleading. And it’s very dangerous for young children,” he says.

“These commercials talk about 28-day changes. I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I’m telling you now – that’s just not going to happen. You have no chance.”

Fairlamb recently started working with his daughter Georgia Sybenga, 25.

“Sometimes I ask myself,” she says. “Some of them you can’t really tell.”

Both are concerned that constant exposure to artificial intelligence can damage confidence, especially among young people.

“You think, ‘I can look like this in 30 days,'” says Fairlamb. “But that body may not be realistic.” For young people, for their mental health, it’s really a concern.”

Sibenga cautions that AI-generated fitness programs don’t have the full picture.

“It doesn’t take into account injuries or health conditions, so … you can hurt yourself,” she said.