I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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