I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence 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 Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
