I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person 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 early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
