I successfully Swapped My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

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

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

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

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.