I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
The trainer said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
