I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, 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 human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching 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 clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
