I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Essential Human Element
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
