I Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
