By analyzing gut health data, fitness professionals can tailor nutrition, performance strategies and recovery plans to optimize client results

For years, fitness and wellness professionals have relied on a combination of movement, behavior change, nutrition and recovery strategies to help clients reach their health and performance goals. But one area of science, despite its growing body of research, has remained largely untapped in fitness programming: the microbiome. 

This complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms plays a crucial role in everything from metabolism and immunity to mental health and physical recovery. Yet for most gym owners, trainers and wellness professionals, the microbiome remains an abstract concept rather than a practical tool.

Jona, a company specializing in AI-driven microbiome analysis, is working to bridge that gap by turning gut health insights into actionable strategies. Through artificial intelligence (AI), the company deciphers microbiome patterns and cross-references them with thousands of scientific studies, offering a new way for fitness professionals to personalize training, recovery and nutrition programs.

“The microbiome is one of the most complex and dynamic systems in the body and, until now, it’s been incredibly difficult to interpret,” says Leo Grady, PhD, founder and CEO of Jona. “With AI, we’re able to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application, making microbiome insights truly actionable.”

The ability to analyze an individual’s microbiome offers fitness professionals a new layer of insight into client health. When the microbiome is balanced, metabolism functions efficiently, helping to prevent weight gain and blood sugar imbalances. A client struggling with low energy and slow recovery times may have an imbalance in their gut bacteria affecting metabolic efficiency or inflammation levels. 

Another client or member dealing with brain fog or mood instability may be experiencing disruptions in the gut-brain axis. Even factors like hormone regulation and skin health have been linked to the microbiome, meaning trainers working with clients through menopause or those focused on longevity may find value in these insights.

A Competitive Advantage for Wellness Providers?

Jona’s approach goes beyond simply identifying bacteria in the gut. By creating a “digital twin” of an individual’s microbiome, the company’s AI platform can simulate how different lifestyle changes — such as dietary shifts, supplementation or adjustments in workout intensity — might impact a person’s overall health and recovery.

This predictive capability allows trainers, health coaches and recovery specialists to move away from a trial-and-error “dart board” approach and instead make data-driven decisions tailored to each person’s custom, biological needs.

For fitness businesses looking to stand out, microbiome testing presents an opportunity to add a profit center and expand beyond traditional services. Gyms and personal training studios, for example, could integrate gut health analysis into personalized coaching programs and training plans. Wellness and recovery centers could use microbiome insights to tailor strategies for stress management, sleep optimization or even skin health. Specialized women’s fitness programs, such as those supporting prenatal and postnatal health, could incorporate microbiome analysis to better understand how gut bacteria influence hormonal balance.

As the industry marches toward personalization, microbiome testing could feasibly become as standard as wearable technology and biometric assessments. While not a replacement for foundational fitness principles or the right education and certification, gut health insights offer a new tool for refining training programs. With AI making complex microbiome data more interpretable, fitness professionals can explore a more individualized approach to helping clients reach their goals.