I Swapped My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, 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 comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
