I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
A runner
After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan 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 Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
