I successfully Swapped My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
