I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
