I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?
Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.
She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool 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 the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Fitness Gains
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established 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. Traditional Training
One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.
Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Element
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
