I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
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. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically 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 place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
