I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
