I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.