I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
