🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results. A runner Leah used AI to train for her second half marathon and achieved a new record. Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum. But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach. Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024. She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals. The user then tweaked the schedule 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 ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time. She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer. "Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter He has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and says he feels stronger than ever. Significant Fitness Improvements In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event. "I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented. This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships. Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive. According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London. Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert Dafydd Judd maintains artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Human Element Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said. "I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued. The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient. But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded. In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.