I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
