🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. A runner She employed artificial intelligence to train for her latest 21km race and secured a new record. Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track. But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches? Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach. Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years. She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives. Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical. Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish. 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 Richard Gallimore has been leveraging AI for his workout and nutrition, and says he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg. Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented. The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines. "I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships. Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced. According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London. Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert one professional believes artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Personal Element Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers. 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 trainees also employ AI. "I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated. "I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added. The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective. But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training. "As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded. For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.