I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.
"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
