I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

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

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

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.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.