I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said 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 objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.