I successfully Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
The user 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 at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from 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 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said 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, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
