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

A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued true dedication 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," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.