I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions 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 pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker 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 actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute 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 agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
