I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
