I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.

A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan 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 Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.