I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
