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

A runner

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

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.