I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized 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 Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
