🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working. A runner Leah employed AI to train for her second half marathon and secured a new record. Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum. But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches? Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event. The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer. She used an AI-powered 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 requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals. The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical. The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish. She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer. "With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added. Richard Gallimore Richard Gallimore has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and states he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Fitness Gains Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event. "I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented. The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans. Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive. According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London. Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible. A personal trainer Personal trainer Dafydd Judd maintains artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Personal Touch Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology. "I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said. "I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued. The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient. However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added. In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.