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

An individual utilizing a smartphone for AI-driven fitness coaching A runner
She used AI to prepare for her second 21km race and secured a new record.

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used 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 requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A man working out with barbells after using an AI-generated program A weightlifter
Richard Gallimore has been using artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and says he has never been stronger.

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer assisting a trainee in a gym Dafydd Judd
Fitness expert Dafydd Judd maintains artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from in-person training.

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.

Carla Hodges
Carla Hodges

Lena is a digital content creator with over five years of experience in live streaming and community building.