🔗 Share this article I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results. Leah Walsh She employed artificial intelligence to prepare for her second 21km race and secured a personal best. Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track. However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers? Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach. She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years. She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives. Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient. Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish. She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and says he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength Gains In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load. Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race. "I realized I had to sort myself out," he said. The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts. "I train for about 120 minutes 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 biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships. Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced. According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London. Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert one professional maintains AI will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Human Touch Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use technology. "In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said. "I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued. The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective. However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training. "As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded. For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.