I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
