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

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform users 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 digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.