I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. 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 find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said AI 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 the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
