I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for 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 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.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
