I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, 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 resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.
Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
