I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app 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 combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
