I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – With Great Results.

A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want 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 using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.