I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans 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 weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said real commitment 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 concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
