I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
