I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven 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 plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
