I Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for help 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 tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
