I successfully Replaced My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio 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 highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool 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 wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Remarkable Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.
According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Personal Element
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.
For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.