I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said 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

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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