I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

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

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.