Instead of relying on Fitbit's AI Health Coach, you could just have friends. That's what one runner, who identifies as 'mid', argues. Most of us are 'mid', meaning we're not elite athletes but still active and health-conscious. We juggle full-time jobs, families, and social lives, so it's understandable why we might seek convenient solutions. But is an AI coach the answer? The runner, who volunteers as a coach for Girls on the Run, found the experience underwhelming. They compared it to talking to a computer, which multiple people advised against. The AI coach's limitations became apparent when it failed to account for their illness, adjusting workouts to annoyingly slow speeds. Despite these issues, the runner did see some benefits. It seamlessly incorporated yoga and rock climbing into their weekly plan, offering recommendations like kettlebell swings and glute bridges, which are valuable for runners. However, the runner's spouse and friends grew uncomfortable with the idea of AI-generated advice, preferring real-time feedback from human interaction. The runner concluded that while AI can be helpful, it's not a replacement for the social and emotional benefits of human connection during exercise.
