I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-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 chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate 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 a similar range in London.
Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
