The world around us is rapidly changing due to digitalization. Whether we’re aware of it or not, digital tools now influence how we live, work, communicate, and make decisions. In this blog post, I focus on how digitalization affects my daily work at Level 2 gym in Pietarsaari. I will share my personal experiences, how I see the future of work in this field, reflect on the risks of digital society, explore data protection regulations like GDPR, and evaluate my experience using artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT.
Working at Level 2 Gym has also opened my eyes to the extent to which technology has become indispensable to gym operations. We use computer systems to monitor member registrations, attendance, personal training sessions, and payments. All members check in digitally, and we store their training history, billing details, and contact details in a secure database.
To trainers, exercise sessions are typically circulated through apps. Members can exercise with their smartphones, which also gives them a sense of autonomy and flexibility. For me, however, I’ve learned first-hand how useful it is to be tech aware, I have had to get used to learning the booking program, updating details of members, and fixing straightforward technical issues.
I’ve come to understand that digitalization is not just about equipment. It’s about changing attitudes too. It has allowed us to work faster, deliver better service, and communicate with our members more personally.
I see digitalization further revolutionizing fitness. In the future, I see Level 2 employing even more advanced tools: Intelligent wearables that track real-time metrics like recovery, calories, and heart rate, Personal trainers fueled by AI who create adaptive, customized routines, Virtual reality workouts where members can run up mountains or play competitive games, Self-check-in kiosks and mobile apps that enable members to manage everything from diets to schedules.
This excites me-it means more chances and imagination. But I also feel that human connection will never be substituted. No matter how advanced the equipment, motivation, encouragement, and empathy can’t be carried out by machines. As a people person, I believe technology is present to support us, not substitute for us.
As technology becomes increasingly prevalent, there is merit in considering the risks, especially those relating to data security. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), introduced in 2016 in the EU, ensures personal data is safely stored and openly.
We collect and store personal data such as names, phone numbers, training records, and even billing data at Level 2 Gym. We must maintain open privacy policies and not exchange or misuse any data since it is mandated by GDPR. Clients can also request deletion of and access to their data if necessary.
I find GDPR very important. It protects the business and the customers. I’ve become more aware of how I handle sensitive information, and I’m more careful when utilizing digital platforms. However, not everyone is aware of these regulations thoroughly, so I think there should be more training and awareness, especially in small organizations.
As part of this assignment, I tried ChatGPT to learn how artificial intelligence could help me with my job. I asked questions like:
How do we retain more gym members?
What are some effective ways to inspire clients?
How can AI help fitness trainers?
The response were surprisingly helpful. ChatGPT suggested using loyalty programs, personalized exercise routines, and progress monitoring apps. It also explained how AI can scan member data to recognize patterns and improve service.
While the answers are correct and imaginative, some of the suggestions seemed too vague example; they didn’t always match the scale of a small neighborhood gym such as Level 2. Still, I found ChatGPt to be useful as a brainstorming tool. It made me think outside the box and provided me with ideas I wouldn’t have otherwise. I believe AI can support our work, but it needs human involvement, especially in interpreting emotions, motivation, and local culture.
This blogging task helped me realize how digitalization is already playing a central role in my career. I belived digital tools were for offices or tech companies, but now I realize how they impact even health and fitness services. I realized how they impact even health and fitness services.
The research and videos helped me understand new concepts like GDPR and big data. I’ve learned how important it is to protect data and use technology ethically. I’m now more motivated to improve my digital skills and stay updated, especially as fitness becomes more tech-driven.
I also enjoyed exploring AI and ChatGPT, which showed me how these tools could become part of everyday work. I’d love to learn more about AI in customer service and digital marketing for gyms in the future.
Digital content has already transformed my Level 2 Gym work quite a bit, and diving into this assignment made me see just how much it’s pointing in the direction that fitness—and to be honest, everything else—is heading. It’s opened up cool things like more casual conversations with members, smarter decisions based on numbers, and even messing around with AI tools. There’s only so much you can do with it, but it’s not all smooth sailing either—we’ve got to be careful as well. Learning how to protect people’s information, staying ahead of the cons, and just being willing to learn more just feels really important. I’m starting to get a grip on it now, and I’m pumped to roll with these changes while helping everyone else keep up too, in a way that’s real, safe, and still feels human.
Here are some of the orientation materials that supported my thinking:
Kenneth Cukier – “Big Data is Better Data”: This TED Talk made me realize how data assists in making better decisions. At Level 2, data such as attendance, preferences, and feedback could be utilized to provide improved services.
James Lyne – “Everyday Cybercrime”: This was an eye-opener! It showed me how hackers can steal data so easily with weak passwords or public Wi-Fi. I am now more mindful when using online tools in the workplace.
“What is GDPR?”: This reading broke down the legal principles clearly. I now understand the importance of consent, transparency, and security when processing customer data.
Maurice Conti – “The Inventions of Intuitive AI”: This got me thinking about how AI could help us in the gym – not replace us, but help us with creativity and efficiency.