I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.