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

A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said 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 early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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