I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.