🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective. Leah Walsh Leah employed AI to train for her latest half marathon and secured a new record. Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum. But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach. Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years. She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives. Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical. The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time. She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer. "With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked. A weightlifter He has been leveraging AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he has never been stronger. Significant Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg. He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented. This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said. The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans. Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive. According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London. Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible. A personal trainer Fitness expert one professional believes artificial intelligence will never replace the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Personal Touch Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ technology. "I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated. "I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added. The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective. But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person 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 concluded. For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.