I successfully Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.