I successfully Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.