I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
