I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
