I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, 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 target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool constructed 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 added.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.