I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on 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 explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up 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.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
