I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something 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 plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
