I Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest 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 highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate 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 the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

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