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

Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said 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 said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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