I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
