I Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain 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 outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.