I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on 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.
Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
