🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. Leah Walsh Leah used artificial intelligence to prepare for her latest 21km race and secured a personal best. Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum. But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches? Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event. The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer. Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years. She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals. Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient. The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish. She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor. "With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been using AI for his workout and nutrition, and says he has never been stronger. Remarkable Fitness Gains In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load. Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race. "I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented. The free tool built 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 Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans. Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider 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 outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Fitness expert one professional maintains artificial intelligence will never replace the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Human Element Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said. "I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added. Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient. But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions. "As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded. For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.