I successfully Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool 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 noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, 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.
Richard turned to a AI assistant 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 fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
