I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, 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 Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
