I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals 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 alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight 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.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

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

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.