I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – With Great Results.

A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually 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 use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.