An AI coach is a terrible accountability buddy. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to ignore everything it says.

This time last year, I’d cut 16 minutes off my four-mile run time, was lifting three to four times a week, and had lost 10 pounds after a consistent six months of training. I felt amazing. Then life happened.

A year later, I haven’t run more than a 5K in three months, I gained back those 10 pounds from stress, and have been beset by injuries, illnesses, and other health concerns. Much of this was due to factors outside my control. Frustrated, a month ago I decided to lock in while testing three fitness AI coaches and plans: Fitbit’s AI health coach, Peloton IQ, and Runna. I’d try them out while training for a 5K race to see if I could improve my time, which had slipped over the last year from 31 minutes to 38 to 40 minutes.

In short, I ran that 5K race last week. I improved my time by a whole five minutes. After I told all three AI to take a hike.

I’m not universally against AI coaching in health and fitness apps. The data slog is often overwhelming. As a lifelong overachiever, it’s a constant journey to recognize and accept my limits. Having an intelligent guide to check me when I’m being unrealistic or falling into a negative mindset is — in theory — a good idea. The reality, however, is never quite that simple.

...read more at archive.is