I asked ChatGPT for a definition of “well-centered fitness”—a common theme on this blog. I was curious with what artificial intelligence (AI) would come up with. “Well-centered fitness”, after all, is a wholly human construct. Here is ChatGPT’s definition:
“’Well-centered fitness’ is a term that typically refers to a holistic approach to physical well-being and health. It emphasizes not only the development of physical strength and endurance but also the cultivation of mental and emotional balance. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health, and it aims to promote overall wellness and vitality.
Key components of well-centered fitness may include:
1. Physical Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity to build strength, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance flexibility and mobility.
2. Mental Well-being: Incorporating practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and enhance focus.
3. Nutrition: Paying attention to dietary choices that support physical health and overall well-being.
4. Emotional Health: Developing emotional intelligence and resilience to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
5. Rest and Recovery: Prioritizing adequate sleep and relaxation to allow the body and mind to recover and regenerate.
6. Lifestyle Choices: Making choices that align with one’s values and contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life.
7. Holistic Approach: Viewing fitness as a holistic concept where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are interconnected and equally important.
The idea behind well-centered fitness is to achieve a harmonious balance in all these areas, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life. It’s a departure from a purely physical or aesthetic focus on fitness and places a greater emphasis on overall well-being and quality of life.”
I typically define the components of well-centered fitness as Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social. Surprisingly (or not surprisingly), ChatGPT made no reference to the Spiritual or the Social dimensions. Two dimensions that I would argue are essential to the well-being of humans.
A common question regarding AI is whether it will do away with creative writing. I think (at least for now) that is unlikely. (Writers for television and movies who are worried that AI is taking their jobs should be asking themselves “why?”. Indeed, we should all be asking why we are willing to consume entertainment that is lacking human creativity—frankly, any creativity.)
For an upcoming episode of The Aging Well Podcast, my co-host, Corbin, and I asked ChatGPT for quotes that inspire successful aging and compared these to our own “top ten.” The selections from the AI software were quite shallow and generic. We noted that AI lacked what we labeled as “EI” or “emotional intelligence.”
Humans are social creatures. We need to have health relationships. It might seem that software does not (yet?) perceive this need.
The Spiritual dimension of well-centered fitness emphasizes the understanding that there is Purpose to our existence that we are not the center of the universe. This cannot be comprehended by computer software.
AI might mimic human emotion, but it cannot express it. We, alone, as human, can feel and express emotion—can recognize the interconnectedness of the Spiritual and Social dimensions of wellness, as well as the Physical, Intellectual, and Emotional. If we forget this, our existence will truly be in peril.
Can AI take the place of human creativity? I hope not.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!