I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
