I Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design 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 suit 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 at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours 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 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
