I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.