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

A runner

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

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas 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.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.