I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program 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 Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
