I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions 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 artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients 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 the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
