🔗 Share this article I Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working. A runner Leah employed AI to train for her second 21km race and achieved a personal best. Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum. However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches? Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer. She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024. She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives. The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient. Subsequently, she chose 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 target finish. She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer. "With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked. Richard Gallimore He has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and states he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength Gains Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg. Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event. "I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented. The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans. Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive. According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert one professional believes AI will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Human Touch Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said. "I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued. Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient. However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added. In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.