I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
