I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.