I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, 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 feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
