I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application 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 noted 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 added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized 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. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.