I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain 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 typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
