I successfully Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

A runner

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

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

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

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose 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 noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.