I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.
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 set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
