🔗 Share this article I Replaced My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. A runner She used artificial intelligence to train for her second half marathon and achieved a new record. After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track. But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event. This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer. She used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years. She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals. Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient. Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish. She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and says he has never been stronger. Significant Fitness Improvements Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said. This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added. The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans. Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive. According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital. Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible. A personal trainer Fitness expert one professional believes artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Personal Element Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers. This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said. "I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued. The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient. But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added. In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.