I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
