I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting 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 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper 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 artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
