🔗 Share this article I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. A runner Leah used AI to train for her second half marathon and achieved a new record. After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track. But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event. This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach. Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024. She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals. The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient. Subsequently, she chose 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 feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and says he has never been stronger. Remarkable Strength Gains In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load. He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race. "I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said. The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines. "I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said. The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships. Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive. According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London. Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert Dafydd Judd believes artificial intelligence will never replace the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Personal Touch Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides. This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said. "I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added. The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective. However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added. In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.