🔗 Share this article I Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. Leah Walsh Leah used AI to prepare for her latest half marathon and achieved a new record. After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum. But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer. Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024. She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives. Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient. Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper 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 find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter He has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said. The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships. Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive. Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London. Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer Dafydd Judd maintains AI will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Human Element Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated. "I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued. The trainer said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient. But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded. In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.