I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, 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 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 created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
