I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
