I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight 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 get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on 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, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements 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 accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years 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 stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
