I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
