I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance 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 multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
