I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool 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 feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
