I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized 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 Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
