I successfully Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.
However, he argued 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 7am before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.