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

A runner

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

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

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

"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 desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said 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 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.