I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

A person using a mobile device for AI-driven fitness guidance Leah Walsh
Leah used AI to train for her latest half marathon and secured a personal best.

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
An individual working out with weights after using an AI plan A weightlifter
He has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and says he feels stronger than ever.

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

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

A personal trainer working with a client in a fitness studio Dafydd Judd
Fitness expert Dafydd Judd believes artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from in-person training.

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear 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 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.

Brandon Anderson
Brandon Anderson

A professional poker strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing odds and coaching players to success.