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

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions 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 find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands 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 a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

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

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.