I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.