I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
