I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
