I successfully Swapped My Own Fitness Coach for AI – With Great Results.
A runner
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued 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 digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
