I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, 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 a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.