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

A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, 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 bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable 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.