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

A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.