I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
