I successfully Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, 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. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, 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 coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned 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 want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.