I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours 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 numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
