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

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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