I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned 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 goals, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

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

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful 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 place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.