I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 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 chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.