I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
