I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working.

A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.