I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.

A runner

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said 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 full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.