I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"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," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
