I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
