I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
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 minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program 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 Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
