I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
