I successfully Swapped My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she asked it to design a regimen combining 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 fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, 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 feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, 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.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
