🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Own Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Effective. A runner She used artificial intelligence to prepare for her second 21km race and secured a personal best. After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track. However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers? Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer. She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024. She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals. Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient. The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time. She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor. "With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter Richard Gallimore has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Significant Strength Gains Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented. This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships. Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced. Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer one professional maintains AI will never replace the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Personal Touch Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated. "I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added. Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient. However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added. In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.