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

Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.