I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, 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. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 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 work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
