I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
