🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective. A runner Leah employed AI to prepare for her second half marathon and achieved a new record. Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track. However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches? Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach. Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years. She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives. The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical. Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish. She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor. "Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been leveraging AI for his workout and nutrition, and says he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Improvements In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load. He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented. The free tool built a fitness and meal program 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 added. The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships. Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced. According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Personal trainer Dafydd Judd believes AI will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Personal Touch Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated. "I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added. The trainer said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient. But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training. "As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded. In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.