Seattle-based technologist Greg Mushen recently shared his success story of achieving improved health and losing 26 pounds through a running routine. However, Mushen didn’t rely on popular fitness influencer programs or expensive gym memberships. Instead, he turned to an online bot freely available to anyone seeking assistance with developing a healthier lifestyle.
Motivated by the desire to be present for his 6-year-old daughter’s milestones, Mushen sought a lifestyle change in February. With his tech background, Mushen was already familiar with ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot known for its vast knowledge and conversational abilities. Recognizing the versatility of this resource, Mushen decided to utilize ChatGPT as a coach to enhance his motivation, save time, and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Mushen’s journey over the past three months has been remarkable. He has not only shed weight but also experienced significant improvements in energy levels and heart health indicators, such as resting heart rate. The positive changes have left him feeling better than ever before.
Despite Mushen’s tech-savviness, he believes that anyone can benefit from using ChatGPT as a coach. It can offer valuable motivation boosts while saving time and money. However, it’s important to exercise caution, fact-check information, and prompt the bot carefully. This means that personal trainers are unlikely to be replaced anytime soon.
Mushen’s innovative approach to using ChatGPT involved treating it as an expert in sports psychology and neuroscience. He prompted the bot to devise a plan that would help him become addicted to running. Although skeptical at first, Mushen was surprised by the viability of the plan suggested by ChatGPT, despite its deceptively simple nature.
The initial steps of the plan involved minimal running, with only five minutes on the pavement recommended on the third day. Mushen, a person accustomed to intense dedication, found this approach counterintuitive. However, he decided to follow the plan anyway and experienced an immediate sense of investment and accomplishment, even with such small tasks.
Mushen continued to adhere to the plan, which proved to be easier than expected. The program gradually increased the workload, incorporating rest days and avoiding exhaustion. The incremental pace kept burnout at bay and fueled Mushen’s enthusiasm to keep going.
Previously, Mushen had engaged in grueling exercise sessions that left him tired and unwilling to repeat the process. In contrast, ChatGPT’s program gradually built up his running capacity. Currently, Mushen completes six running workouts per week, including four easy runs for overall health and aerobic capacity, lasting around 45 minutes to an hour at a pace of 13 minutes per mile. He has also incorporated shorter, high-intensity sessions like hill sprints.
Mushen acknowledged that while his experiment with ChatGPT provided accessible and cost-free guidance, similar results could be obtained from a coach or online research. He highlighted the time-saving aspect of AI assistance, as well as its ability to generate unique ideas and organize information. However, he cautioned users to fact-check advice provided by AI bots, ensuring the information is safe and reliable.
Mushen’s positive experience with ChatGPT’s workouts has also led him to consider hiring a personal trainer in the future. He believes that the AI-powered guidance has put him in a better position to evaluate and benefit from personalized goals and expert advice.
As a beginner on his running journey, Mushen’s success story demonstrates the potential of AI in supporting individuals in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.