I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
