I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, 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. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
