🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. A runner She used artificial intelligence to train for her second 21km race and achieved a personal best. After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track. But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers? Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event. The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer. She used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years. She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals. Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient. Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time. She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor. "Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked. A weightlifter He has been leveraging AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Gains Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load. He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented. The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines. "I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans. Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced. Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London. Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer one professional maintains AI will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Human Touch Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said. "I believe the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added. The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient. However, he argued 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 won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added. In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.