🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results. A runner Leah used AI to train for her latest 21km race and secured a new record. Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum. But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches? Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach. She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years. She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives. The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical. The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish. She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor. "Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been using AI for his workout and nutrition, and says he has never been stronger. Significant Fitness Improvements Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load. Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race. "I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented. This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships. Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced. Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible. A personal trainer Fitness expert one professional believes AI will never replace the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Personal Touch Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides. This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI. "I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated. "I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued. The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient. However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions. "As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added. For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.