I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool constructed 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 Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching 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 trainees also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
