I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

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

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