I Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer said AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
