I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 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 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
