I Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users 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 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 space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
