I Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.

A runner

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah 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 minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.