🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. A runner Leah employed artificial intelligence to prepare for her second half marathon and secured a new record. After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum. But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches? Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event. The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach. Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years. She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives. Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient. The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time. She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added. Richard Gallimore Richard Gallimore has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Fitness Gains In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg. He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event. "I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented. This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans. Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive. According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Fitness expert one professional believes AI will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Personal Touch Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ technology. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said. "I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued. The trainer said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient. But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded. For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.