I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued true dedication 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 early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
