I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.