I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored 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 Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
