I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
