I successfully Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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 workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.