I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted 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
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
