I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
