I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
