I Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.

A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.