I Replaced My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January 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 human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

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 a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes 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 trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.