I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
