I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.