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

A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

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

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