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

A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.