I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
