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

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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