I successfully Swapped My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
Leah Walsh
After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Significant Strength Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
