I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
