I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up 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.
