I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit 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 consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
