I Replaced My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for 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 goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
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.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
