I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application 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 did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
