I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
