I successfully Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

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

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

The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.