🔗 Share this article I Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – With Great Results. Leah Walsh She employed AI to train for her second 21km race and achieved a personal best. Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track. However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches? Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach. Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years. She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives. The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical. The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time. She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor. "With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added. A weightlifter He has been using AI for his workout and nutrition, and says he feels stronger than ever. Significant Fitness Improvements In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event. "I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said. The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added. The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships. Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive. According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London. Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert Dafydd Judd maintains artificial intelligence will never replace the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Personal Element Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology. "In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated. "I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added. The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective. But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded. For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.