I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, 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 trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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