I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.