I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment 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 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
