I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered 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 cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using 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.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
