I successfully Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
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 recent years.
She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
