I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
