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

An individual using a mobile device for AI-powered fitness guidance Leah Walsh
She employed artificial intelligence to train for her second 21km race and secured a personal best.

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A man working out with barbells after following an AI plan Richard Gallimore
He has been using artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and states he has never been stronger.

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer assisting a client in a fitness studio Dafydd Judd
Fitness expert Dafydd Judd maintains artificial intelligence will never replace the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching.

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.

Charles Shields
Charles Shields

A software engineer and retro computing enthusiast with over 15 years of experience restoring vintage computers and documenting tech history.