I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"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, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
