I Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 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.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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