I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.

A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said 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 unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up 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 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.