I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
