I successfully Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Effective.

A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact 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 said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.