I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose 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 target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said 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 had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people appear 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," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
