Artificial intelligence has already become a familiar part of modern life; it seems to be everywhere. Neural networks help you prepare dinner, make a presentation, and find the necessary information. It has already reached sports: the “Titans” program invites athletes to perform tests created with the help of AI.
It is not necessary for an ordinary athlete to overcome them, but can a neural network become an assistant in training or even replace a fitness instructor? We will try to solve this problem together with experts – a trainer and the head of an IT laboratory.
We are talking about one of the last tasks of the “Titans” program:
Maintaining 50% of your weight is a task for the Titans, where a fragile girl defeated strong men
Can artificial intelligence create a training plan?
The opinion of the IT specialist.
Head of Project Office (CPO) of IT laboratory for business development VibeLabс
“In my opinion, AI can be an important tool for trainers, helping them work more efficiently and improve client outcomes, but it cannot replace them.”
Artificial intelligence is capable of creating high-quality training plans by analyzing large amounts of data on age, weight, height, fitness level, injuries, and current health status. AI adapts programs using machine learning algorithms, adjusting the intensity and volume of training based on a person’s physical condition.
For example, if you experience excessive fatigue or fail to achieve the intended results, the program can adjust your training plan. This allows you to create more effective and safer activities, which is especially important for people with chronic illnesses or special requirements, which can also be included in the AI text.
soon – a text request sent to the neural network.
It is not difficult to guess that it is very important to formulate the request correctly. And for this, it is necessary to indicate the purpose of training, experience, body characteristics, past injuries, emphasized muscle groups, number of workouts per week and their type. And this is where the problem can arise, because not everyone knows all the characteristics of their body.
One of the notification options: “Create a safe and effective training plan for a 30-year-old, 93 kg, 176 cm tall male, taking into account his average fitness level. He has no chronic illnesses, but wants to improve his overall endurance and build muscle mass. Include guidelines for warm-up, core exercises, rest between sets, and cool-down.”
Photo: istockphoto.com/emiliozv
Modern AI systems can integrate data from a variety of sources, including fitness trackers, health apps, medical records, and even genetic data, to accurately determine the most appropriate types of exercise and diet for a specific individual. Additionally, AI can correct exercise technique through visual and audio means, analyzing workout videos, and pointing out errors. However, AI has its limitations.
Coach’s opinion
DDX Fitness trainer
“Preparing a training program is a “task with an asterisk” even for an experienced trainer. There are many variables to consider in order to make a plan suitable for a specific person. This is what the individual approach is all about.”
It’s one thing when you know how to do a task and you want to “relieve” yourself a little, you delegate it. It’s another thing when you simply want something done for you because you don’t understand it. And this approach is fraught with consequences. Is it possible to trust a neural network with responsibilities when you yourself don’t clearly understand what the result should be?
Of course, once you receive the training plan, you can make changes to it, but will the user be able to independently evaluate the training program from AI? In this case, a neural network is a good tool for a coach or an experienced athlete, but not for an ordinary sports fan.
Not only can you train one-on-one with a coach:
Battle of experts: which is better: ballet or gym?
Next, you go to the gym with this program and try it out. This raises the next problem: the technique of execution. Of course, there are now devices that can evaluate your equipment, but they still don’t work perfectly and not everyone has access to them. And if you only imagine 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 lack of results or, even worse, injuries.
Let’s say you’ve tried all the exercises and felt discomfort in some of them. An experienced trainer will immediately offer options: slightly change the body position, 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. A beginner may decide that the exercise is not suitable for him and ask the AI to replace it.
Photo: istockphoto.com/Nastasic
Besides training, what else should you consider when training with AI?
Of course, having a workout plan makes getting to the gym a lot easier, but a workout list is just the beginning. It’s important to take a holistic approach to exercise, including nutrition, recovery, and preventative measures to prevent injuries. The main aspects worth studying are detailed below.
Nutrition. AI analyses dietary preferences and nutritional needs to create personalised recommendations. For example, to lose weight, a neural network can suggest a calorie-deficient, high-protein plan. Some apps already use this type of 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.Precautionary measures. AI prevents injuries by analyzing exercise frequency, intensity, and technique. Apps use motion sensor data to correct equipment. VAY Sports technology analyzes exercises in real time and provides feedback.Access to educational resources. Artificial intelligence provides access to materials on exercise techniques, first aid in case of injuries and other important information in various formats: video tutorials, articles and step-by-step instructions.
Photo: istockphoto.com/monkeybusinessimages
Can a neural network replace a fitness instructor?
Technologies are developing, but a trainer’s job is not limited to just creating programs and checking nutritional reports. This includes monitoring your well-being, real-time adjustments, simple human communication and support when things don’t work out.
AI definitely has significant potential to improve the work of fitness instructors – it will become part of our lives, but it is unlikely to replace humans. Rather, the neural network complements trainers by creating personalized programs and analyzing health and activity data, allowing them to focus on exercise technique, motivation, and support. Human touch and empathy remain important components of the classroom, something AI cannot yet fully replicate.
Photo: istockphoto.com/PixelsEffect
You can draw your own conclusions; we recommend that you do not give up on progress and take advantage of all the possibilities of modern technologies, but do not forget that everything is good in moderation. Do not let something or someone harm you if you are just starting your training; contact specialists, doctors and trainers. They will help you avoid making mistakes on the way to a healthy and beautiful body.
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