I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application 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 did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
