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

Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed 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 real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.