🔗 Share this article I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working. A runner She used AI to prepare for her second 21km race and secured a new record. After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum. However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches? Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer. She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024. She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives. The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical. The following year, 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. "Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been leveraging AI for his workout and nutrition, and says he has never been stronger. Significant Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg. He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race. "I realized I need to sort myself out," he said. The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said. The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships. Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced. Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer Dafydd Judd believes AI will never replace the human connection that comes from in-person training. The Essential Personal Element Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology. "In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said. "I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added. Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective. But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training. "As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added. For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.