I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.