🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. A runner Leah employed artificial intelligence to train for her latest half marathon and achieved a new record. Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track. However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches? Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach. She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024. She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals. The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient. Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish. She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer. "Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked. Richard Gallimore Richard Gallimore has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Fitness 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, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race. "I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented. This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts. "I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans. Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive. According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital. Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Personal trainer Dafydd Judd believes artificial intelligence will never replace the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Essential Human Touch Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said. "I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued. The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient. But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded. For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.