I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
