I successfully Swapped My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized 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 Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically 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," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.