I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
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 will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
