As 2022 sets in, it’s time to get cracking on our New Year’s resolution list. While some plan to ace important exams this year, others intend to finally strap on their sports shoes and start their fitness journey. With so many fitness blogs, applications and personal trainers around, one might be at a crossroads on what option to choose. Many fitness enthusiasts have now started using beginner-friendly fitness apps such as Freeletics, FitnessAI, and more.

Fitness apps usually operate through the simple procedure of logging in one’s details, such as weight, height, diet plansfitness goals, and previous fitness training history. After the workout session, many apps often seek feedback from its users to modify training sessions. Many apps also track menstrual cycles for its female users. 

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While some trainees love the idea of having an app as a personal trainer for an affordable price, others believe that fitness apps are not appropriate substitutes for an actual trainer or coach. Anthony Papathomas, a lecturer and a sports psychologist at the Loughborough University’s National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, added that training with an actual coach enhances interpersonal relationships, thus improving one’s attention to the physical activity. He further stated that apps failed to consider other personal factors, such as low mood levels and stress, and so a simple notification alert to workout might not be enough motivation for its user.

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 On the other hand, Tom Bourlet, a Brighton-based marketing consultant, added that he would often use a similar app, named FitnessAI, and the app’s constant analysis on a user’s progress was a motivational boost.  

 Jake Mor, founder of FitnessAI, added that the app’s artificially intelligent approach made it a strong competitor to actual coaches and personal trainers. He believes that even though personal trainers are skilled at training, they might not be skilled mathematically, thus restricting their ability to monitor a trainee’s progress and other quantitative levels.

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It is also important to note that unlike actual trainers, apps are not equipped with the ability to monitor a user’s exercise form, thus increasing the chances of improper exercises and injuries.

While the debate surrounding fitness apps and trainers continues, it is no surprise that mobile apps have gained prominence of late, all thanks to their affordability, and easy-to-use features.