🔗 Share this article I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working. Leah Walsh She employed artificial intelligence to train for her latest half marathon and achieved a personal best. After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum. However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches? Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach. Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024. She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals. Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical. Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time. She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added. Richard Gallimore Richard Gallimore has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he has never been stronger. Remarkable Strength Improvements In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg. Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event. "I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said. The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts. "I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans. Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced. According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital. Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Personal trainer one professional maintains artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from in-person training. The Essential Human Touch Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated. "I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added. The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective. But, he said true dedication comes when people show up 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 early morning before work," Dafydd added. In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.