A lot of people are attempting to shed some pounds to meet their New Year's resolution. Does AI technology have the potential to replace human personal trainers?
Varan Bhanot, the chief executive of AI fitness software firm Magic AI, confesses that he had never ventured into a gym prior to this, as he found them to be "intimidating". Furthermore, he highlights the fact that gyms are quite costly, plus the fact that you'd have to journey to get there being another factor that might put people off.
Mr Bhanot was warned several years ago that health problems would arise unless he lost weight. Consequently, he decided to modify his lifestyle, aided by the expertise of a personal fitness coach.
Realizing that an AI fitness chatbot could make healthy living more attainable, Mr Bhanot started Magic AI in 2021.
The Magic Mirror, the primary item the company produces, is a touch-screen mirror that features a video of an AI-powered trainer in a human shape.
When logging in, Mr Bhanot explains, you provide all of your biometric data and the AI will then produce a personalised programme, similar to that of a human personal trainer.
You can communicate with the AI trainer through speakers, and cameras are utilized to follow your exercise movements. It supplies immediate feedback and advice, and it develops fresh workouts as you improve.
As the utilization of AI within the global health and fitness industries skyrockets, one report estimated that the market was appraised at $7.8 billion (£6.1bn) in 2022. Furthermore, this report predicted that the market's value would increase to $35.6 billion by the year 2030.
The use of AI in fitness apps is increasing, including Aaptiv, FitnessAI, Fitbod, Freeletics, VI Trainer, and Whoop. Additionally, some have gone so far as to question the AI chatbot ChatGPT to generate exercise routines.
It appears as though some individuals feel more at ease interacting with an AI-powered fitness app than they do with a real human. Others, however, may simply enjoy the convenience of having a virtual personal trainer available to them at any time.
Pilates teacher and physiotherapist Esther Fox questions if AI can really generate the inspiration that comes from a human relationship.
"She claims that the preference for people talking to someone they recognize and rely upon rules out the utilization of AI," she added.
Ms Fox emphasizes that the key to success lies in connecting with people. "If someone feels they have been heard and comprehended, they will follow your lead - this is an innate part of being human," she explains.
A great deal of empathy is necessary to achieve success in health and fitness, something that artificial intelligence simply cannot substitute.
On the other hand, British sprinter and Olympic bronze medal recipient Desiree Henry is among the persons and silhouettes utilized by Magic AI fitness mirrors as AI instructors.
"Though you may be working out in the comfort of your own home, it can seem as though you have a companion present while you exercise," she states.
According to Mr Bhanot, AI is not meant to supplant gyms, rather it will be an additional choice for those who prefer ease and adaptability - similar to the way Netflix and movie theaters, food delivery services and eateries coexist.
Rather than being geared as an individual activity, the launch of the first gym with AI trainers has enabled people to exercise as a collective.
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At Lumin Fitness in Dallas, Texas, the studio is dark and the walls are adorned with LED screens. Up to 14 people can be guided by AI personal trainers through personalised routines or high-intensity interval training.
Every individual is assigned a station having a monitor to cover the sensors, which monitor both the exerciser's movements and the fitness center's specifically designed apparatus, such as dumbbells, medicine balls, and jump ropes.
They are then given verbal responses from the AI through their headphones.
According to Brandon Bean, co-founder and chief executive of Lumin fitness, sensors in the studio can observe each student, evaluating their pose and giving commentary on each movement.
Nevertheless, a coach is present in the area. Bean adds that, "Our objective is not to supplant the trainers' expertise. We are offering them means to give a better service."
The coach holds great significance in creating a sense of togetherness. Those moments of genuine physical congratulations, the smiles. These are just some of the things that can't be simulated.
Lucy McDonald, a physiotherapist, observes that, with appropriate programming, Artificial Intelligence could be extremely useful in aiding with patient exercises.
She advises that people should not solely rely on AI when it comes to training or exercise, and should always seek advice from an expert before engaging in any plans that could lead to over-training or injury.
According to Mr Bean, the AI fitness app market is still in its infancy. "But one of the great aspects of AI is its potential to learn," he notes. "Right now it's not flawless, but with the passage of time, AI fitness technology will become progressively better."
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