I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate 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 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.