🔗 Share this article I successfully Replaced My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective. Leah Walsh She employed AI to train for her latest half marathon and secured a personal best. After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track. But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches? Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer. Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years. She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals. Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical. The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time. She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor. "Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added. Richard Gallimore He has been using AI for his workout and nutrition, and states he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength Improvements In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg. Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race. "I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented. This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added. The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships. Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced. Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London. Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert Dafydd Judd believes AI will never replace the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Human Touch Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated. "I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued. Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective. But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically 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 suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.