I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.