I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.