I Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race 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 objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI 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 AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train 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 biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas 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, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
