I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes 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 coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
