I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, 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 few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
