I Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – With Great Results.

A runner

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

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

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

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication 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.

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