I Swapped My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers 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 hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.