🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results. Leah Walsh She used AI to train for her latest 21km race and achieved a new record. Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum. However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches? Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event. The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer. She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024. She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives. The user then adjusted the plan to fit 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 ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time. She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked. Richard Gallimore He has been leveraging AI for his fitness and diet plans, and says he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength Gains In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg. He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event. "I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said. The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans. Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive. According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £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, however these arrangements are often adaptable. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer one professional maintains artificial intelligence will never replace the human connection that comes from in-person training. The Essential Personal Element Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said. "I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added. Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient. But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added. In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.