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

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.