🔗 Share this article I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results. Leah Walsh Leah employed AI to prepare for her second 21km race and achieved a personal best. Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum. But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches? Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event. This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach. Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024. She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives. Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient. The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time. She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer. "Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and says he has never been stronger. Significant Fitness Gains Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load. He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event. "I realized I need to sort myself out," he said. This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines. "I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added. The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans. Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive. Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London. Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible. A personal trainer Personal trainer one professional maintains AI will never replace the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Personal Element Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ technology. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said. "I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added. The trainer said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient. However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions. "As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added. For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.