AI fascinates and unsettles me in equal measure. On one hand, it is a tool that can genuinely simplify life in an increasingly busy world. On the other, there is something concerning about how much control we hand over to systems we do not fully understand. I am no tech expert, but I find myself thinking about it often, particularly where it intersects with the work we do here at The Well.
Fitness Without the Friction thanks to AI Fitness machines
In the fitness space, I have seen AI at its absolute best. When we opened at The Tannery, we were the first gym in New Zealand to introduce Technogym Biocircuit, and it has been a total game-changer for our members.
Every machine in the circuit adjusts automatically to the individual: seat heights, weights, and specific settings are preset. There is no setup, no guesswork, and no wasted time.
Our members can arrive, sign in, and move through a fully guided, motivating workout. That specific "gym floor overwhelm" that stops so many people from starting? It is gone.
No more waiting for machines, or remembering settings
The contrast became clear to me early last year. I went snowboarding in Japan (an incredible trip) and visited a hotel gym on the way home. It was a stark reminder of how friction-filled a traditional gym experience can be.
I found myself waiting for machines, working around people scrolling on their phones between sets, and trying to remember my previous settings. The process took twice as long and delivered half the experience. It made me realize how much we value the seamless nature of what we’ve built at The Well.
What AI Can’t Touch - Human connection
But for all the things technology can enhance, there are elements it simply cannot touch.
Human connection, physical touch, face-to-face conversation, and the feeling of being truly seen by another person are irreplaceable. A spiritual life, whatever that looks like for you, is another example. At The Well, we believe these are not "inefficiencies" to be optimized; they are the entire point of why we gather.
