I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

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

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run 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 established structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

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

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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