I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.