I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
