I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable 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 feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear 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 added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
