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

A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper 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 live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional 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, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.