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

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, 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 whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

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

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.