I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – With Great Results.

A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program 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 added.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge 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 missing from a computer," he continued.

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.