🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working. Leah Walsh Leah employed AI to train for her latest 21km race and achieved a personal best. After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum. But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers? Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer. Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024. She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives. The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient. The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time. She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked. Richard Gallimore He has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and says he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength Gains Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load. Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented. This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said. The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships. Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive. Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible. A personal trainer Personal trainer one professional believes AI will never replace the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Essential Personal Touch Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced 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 senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said. "I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued. Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective. But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added. For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.