I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described 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 goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
