I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application 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 felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"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 human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
