I successfully Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
