I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," 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 added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.