I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.
The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.
Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Element
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
