I Swapped My Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.

A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.