I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
