I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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