I Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often use a trainer 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 one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
