I Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
