I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit 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 at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
