I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered 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 create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for 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 said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
