I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
