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

An individual using a smartphone for AI-driven running guidance A runner
She used AI to prepare for her second 21km race and secured a new record.

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper 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 feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
An individual training with barbells after using an AI-generated program Richard Gallimore
Richard Gallimore has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he has never been stronger.

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer working with a trainee 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 Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

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

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

Jennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown

Berlin-based event curator and nightlife journalist with a passion for urban culture and entertainment trends.