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

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial 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, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients 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 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.