Allow me to introduce Desiree Sainthrope, a trailblazer in the intersection of fitness and technology. With a dynamic background as a gymnast, figure skater, and competitor in the World Cheerleading & Dance Championships, Desiree has always been driven by movement and innovation. Her academic journey in computer engineering and management science, coupled with experience at major tech firms, led her to co-found an app business that leverages AI to deliver personalized fitness coaching to millions. Today, we dive into her insights on blending tech with fitness, the transformative power of AI in her app, and the pressing need for unified AI regulation in a landscape of fragmented state laws.
How did your unique blend of athletic and tech experiences lead you to create a fitness app?
Honestly, it was a natural progression of my passions. Growing up as a gymnast and figure skater, I learned the value of precise coaching and technique. Later, competing in global championships showed me how access to personalized guidance can make or break performance. When I dove into computer engineering and worked on early mobile analytics platforms, I saw an opportunity to merge my love for fitness with technology. I wanted to build something that could democratize elite-level coaching, making it accessible to anyone with a smartphone. That’s how the idea for our app was born—a tool that uses tech to empower people to live healthier, stronger lives.
Can you walk us through the core concept of your app and the role AI plays in transforming fitness for your users?
At its heart, our app is about providing personalized fitness coaching that’s both affordable and accessible. We’ve helped millions log countless exercise minutes by combining expert-led content with AI-driven insights. One of the standout features is our video-based AI feedback system. It analyzes users’ form during workouts, offering real-time tips to improve technique. This not only boosts the effectiveness of their exercises but also helps prevent injuries. It’s like having a personal trainer in your pocket, something that was once a luxury reserved for a select few.
What motivates your stance on the importance of regulating AI, especially in the context of app development?
I’m a firm believer that AI needs guardrails. It’s a powerful tool, but without oversight, it can lead to risks like privacy breaches, biased algorithms, or even misinformation that could harm users. In the fitness space, for instance, incorrect AI feedback could result in injury if not properly managed. Regulation ensures accountability and safety, but it has to be thoughtful. The goal should be to protect users while still allowing developers the freedom to innovate and solve real-world problems.
As a small app developer, how are you navigating the challenges posed by the growing number of state-level AI laws?
It’s incredibly tough. The sheer volume of proposed bills—nearly a thousand this year alone—means we’re constantly trying to keep up with varying requirements. Utah’s approach is pretty light, focusing on transparency with AI-use disclosures, which is manageable. But then you have stricter frameworks like Colorado’s, with mandates for costly audits. For a small business, often self-funded, these compliance costs can be a real barrier. It diverts resources from app improvements to legal and administrative tasks, which is frustrating when your mission is to help people.
How do these inconsistent state regulations potentially affect the people who rely on your app?
That’s one of my biggest concerns. With a patchwork of laws, access to our app could become uneven. In states with heavy regulations, we might have to limit features or even pull out entirely if compliance becomes unaffordable. Additionally, the costs of meeting these varied rules could force us to raise prices, making the app less accessible to everyday users who need affordable fitness solutions. It’s heartbreaking to think that regulatory differences could exclude some people from tools that enhance their health and well-being.
What are your specific thoughts on the Colorado AI Act and its implications for developers like yourself?
I appreciate the intent behind the Colorado AI Act—it’s a well-meaning effort to address AI risks, which is crucial. But as a small developer, the requirements for expensive audits are daunting. These kinds of mandates can cost tens of thousands of dollars, a burden that’s manageable for big tech but crippling for startups. My worry is that such laws, if replicated across multiple states with different twists, create a web of complexity that stifles small players and slows down our ability to innovate.
Why do you advocate for a national AI law over the current state-by-state approach?
A national AI law would provide clarity and consistency, which is something we desperately need. Right now, navigating a maze of state laws is like playing a game where the rules change every few miles. A unified framework would level the playing field, giving small developers like me a fair shot against larger companies that can afford sprawling compliance teams. I’d want a national law to balance user protection with innovation—clear guidelines on data privacy and algorithm transparency, but without the crushing costs that shut out smaller businesses.
How do you think this fragmented regulatory landscape could lead to unequal outcomes for Americans?
It’s a real risk. In states with strict laws, people might lose access to beneficial AI tools—not just fitness apps, but platforms for job searches, healthcare, and more. On the flip side, in states with little to no regulation, there’s a higher chance of scams or unreliable AI systems causing harm. This inconsistency creates a kind of digital divide, where your access to transformative technology depends on your zip code. That’s not fair, and it undermines the potential of AI to improve lives across the board.
What is your forecast for the future of AI in fitness apps amidst these regulatory challenges?
I’m optimistic, despite the hurdles. AI has immense potential to revolutionize fitness by making personalized coaching even more precise and accessible. Imagine AI that adapts workouts in real-time based on your energy levels or predicts injury risks before they happen. But the regulatory landscape will shape how quickly we get there. If we can achieve a balanced national framework, I believe we’ll see an explosion of innovation. If not, progress might be slower and less equitable. My hope is that lawmakers recognize the value of AI in everyday life and craft policies that support both safety and creativity.
