I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches 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 typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
