I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
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.
Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
