I Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
