I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, 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 won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
