I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

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

She 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 explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

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