I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
A runner
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, 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 positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
