I Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, 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 a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to 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 a similar range in the capital.
Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
