I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
