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

A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, 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 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.