I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more 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 continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

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 computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.