I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for 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 said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, 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 help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
