I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
A runner
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, 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 extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
