I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

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 Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said AI 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 the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.