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

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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