I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 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 outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.