I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare 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 gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.