I Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, 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.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
