🔗 Share this article I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results. Leah Walsh Leah used AI to prepare for her latest 21km race and achieved a new record. After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum. But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach. Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years. She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals. The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient. The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker 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 actually prefer," she remarked. Richard Gallimore Richard Gallimore has been leveraging AI for his workout and nutrition, and says he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race. "I realized I need to sort myself out," he said. This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized 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 Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans. Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive. According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital. Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Personal trainer Dafydd Judd believes AI will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Human Element Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said. "I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added. The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective. However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions. "As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added. For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.