I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, 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 personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.