I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable 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 human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
