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

Leah Walsh

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

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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