Battle of the experts: can artificial intelligence replace the coach?

Artificial intelligence has already become a familiar part of modern life, it seems that it is already everywhere. Neural networks help you cook dinner, make a presentation, find the information you need. It has already reached sports: the show “Titans” offers athletes to pass tests created with the help of AI.

An ordinary athlete does not have to overcome them at all, but can a neural network become an assistant in training or even replace a fitness instructor? We will try to understand this question together with experts: a trainer and the head of an IT laboratory.

Can artificial intelligence create a training plan?

IT expert’s opinion

Head of the project office (CPO) of VibeLab commercial development IT lab

“In my opinion, AI can be an important tool for trainers, helping them work more efficiently and improve client outcomes, but it can’t replace it.”

Artificial intelligence is able to create quality workout plans by analyzing large amounts of data about age, weight, height, fitness level, injuries and current health status. AI adapts programs using machine learning algorithms, adjusting the intensity and volume of workouts based on a person’s physical condition.

For example, if you experience excessive fatigue or don’t achieve your planned results, the program can adjust the training plan. This allows you to create more effective and safer exercise routines, which is especially important for people with chronic conditions or special requirements, which can also be included in the AI promt text.

Apromt is a text request sent to a neural network.

It is not difficult to guess that it is very important to formulate the request correctly. And for this purpose you need to specify the purpose of training, experience, body features, injuries in the past, accent muscle groups, number of workouts per week and their type. And here is where the problem can arise, because not everyone knows all the peculiarities of his body.

One of the promt options: “Make a safe and effective training plan for a 30-year-old man weighing 93 kg and standing 176 cm tall, taking into account his average fitness level. He has no chronic health conditions but wants to improve his overall endurance and build muscle mass. Please include recommendations for warm-up, core exercises, rest between approaches, and warm-up.”

Today’s AI systems can integrate data from multiple sources, including fitness trackers, health apps, medical records and even genetic data to maximize the accuracy of determining the most appropriate types of exercise and nutrition regimens for an individual’s specific characteristics. AI can also correct exercise technique through visual and audio mediations, analyzing workout videos and pointing out mistakes. However, artificial intelligence has its limitations.

Trainer’s opinion

DDX Fitness trainer

“Preparing a workout program is an “asterisk task” even for an experienced trainer. There are many variables to consider to make the plan fit the individual. That’s what a customized approach is all about.”

It’s one thing when you know how a task is done and you’re hoping to “offload” yourself a little bit, so you delegate it. It’s another thing when you just want something done for you because you don’t know how to do it. And this approach is fraught with consequences. Can you trust a neural network when you yourself do not clearly understand what the result should be at the output?

Of course, when you get a training plan, you can make changes there, but will the user be able to evaluate the training program from the AI on his own? In this case, a neural network is a good tool for a coach or an experienced athlete, but not for the average sports fan.

Next, you go to the gym with this program and try it out. This is where the next problem opens up – the technique of execution. Of course, now there are devices that can evaluate your technique, but they do not work perfectly yet, and not everyone has access to them. And if you imagine only the presence of a text plan, then the quality of execution will remain on your conscience. It’s no secret that poor technique can lead to a lack of results or, even worse, injury.

Let’s say you have tried all the exercises and felt discomfort in some of them. An experienced trainer will immediately offer options – to change the position of the body, angles, amplitude of the exercise or simply say that this is normal and you need to get used to the exercise a little – and everything will work out. And a beginner may decide that the exercise is not suitable for him and ask the AI to replace it.

In addition to training, what do you need to consider when exercising with AI?

Of course, having a workout plan makes going to the gym a lot easier, but a list of exercises is just the beginning. It’s important to approach exercise holistically, considering nutrition, recovery, and preventative measures to avoid injury. Below are the main aspects worth exploring.

• Nutrition. AI analyzes dietary preferences and nutritional needs, creating personalized recommendations. For example, for weight loss, a neural network can suggest a calorie-deficient, high-protein plan. Some apps are already using such technology.
• Recovery. Rest is important for progress. Artificial intelligence monitors fatigue levels and sleep quality through smart devices, offering recommendations for optimal rest and sleep times.
• Preventive measures. AI prevents injuries by analyzing the frequency, intensity and technique of exercise. Apps use data from motion sensors to correct technique. VAY Sports technology analyzes exercises in real time and provides feedback.
• Access to educational resources. Artificial intelligence provides access to materials on exercise technique, first aid for injuries and other important information in various formats: video tutorials, articles, step-by-step instructions.

Can a neural network replace a fitness instructor?

Technology is evolving, but a trainer’s job is not only to make programs and check nutrition reports. It’s also about monitoring well-being, real-time adjustments, simple human communication, and support when something doesn’t work out.

There is no doubt that AI has significant potential to improve the work of fitness instructors, it will enter our lives, but it is unlikely to be able to replace humans. Rather, neural networks complement trainers by creating personalized programs and analyzing health and activity data, allowing them to focus on exercise technique, motivation and support. Human contact and empathy remain important components to exercise, this AI is not yet able to fully replicate.

You can draw your own conclusions, we recommend not to give up progress and use all the possibilities of modern technology, but do not forget that everything is good in moderation. Do not let someone or something harm you, if you are just starting your training – consult specialists, doctors and trainers. They will help you not to make mistakes on the way to a healthy and beautiful body.