🔗 Share this article I successfully Swapped My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working. A runner Leah used artificial intelligence to train for her second 21km race and achieved a new record. Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track. But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers? Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer. She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years. She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives. Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical. Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish. She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer. "With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added. A weightlifter He has been using artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and says he has never been stronger. Remarkable Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg. He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race. "I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said. This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines. "I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans. Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced. According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London. Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable. A personal trainer Fitness expert one professional believes artificial intelligence will never replace the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Irreplaceable Personal Element Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated. "I believe the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added. The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective. But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded. In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.