I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.