I Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working.
A runner
Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored 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 Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training
A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.
Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Irreplaceable Human Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.