I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, 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 said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful 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 leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.