I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting 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 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, 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 goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, 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 older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.