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

A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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