🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working. Leah Walsh She used artificial intelligence to train for her latest 21km race and secured a new record. Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track. However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event. The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach. Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024. She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals. Leah then adjusted the plan 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 whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time. She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer. "With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked. A weightlifter He has been leveraging AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Gains Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg. Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race. "I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said. The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines. "I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans. Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced. Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London. Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible. A personal trainer Personal trainer one professional believes AI will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Human Touch Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence 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, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said. "I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added. The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective. But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training. "As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded. In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.