I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.
Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.
But, 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 cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
