I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
