I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she chose 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 noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
