I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
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 digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.