🔗 Share this article I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective. Leah Walsh Leah used AI to train for her latest 21km race and achieved a new record. Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum. However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer. She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years. She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals. Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient. Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish. She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor. "Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been leveraging AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg. Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event. "I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said. This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines. "I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said. The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships. Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced. According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Fitness expert Dafydd Judd believes artificial intelligence will never replace the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Personal Element Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated. "I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added. Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective. But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added. For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.