🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. Leah Walsh She employed AI to train for her latest 21km race and secured a new record. Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track. However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers? Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach. She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years. She said she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives. The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical. Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time. She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer. "With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked. A weightlifter He has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and says he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength Improvements In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg. He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race. "I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented. The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships. Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive. Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Personal trainer Dafydd Judd believes AI will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Human Touch Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology. "I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated. "I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added. The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective. But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added. In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.