I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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