I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for 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 target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built 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 Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
