I Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
