I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
