I successfully Replaced My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – With Great Results.

A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, 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, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

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

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