I successfully Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.