I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
