I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated 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-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
