I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 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, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.