I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established 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 Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
