I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished 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 motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
