I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
