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

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need 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 two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.