I Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
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 relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted 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 built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
