I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
