I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, 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. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, 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: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
