I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
