I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, 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 the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.