I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate clients 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 computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
