I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she chose a different tool 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.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain 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 appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful 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.