I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.

A runner

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

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

For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.