I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
