I Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
