I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"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 survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"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 crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"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 suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
