I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.