I Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided 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 cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
