🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working. Leah Walsh Leah employed AI to prepare for her latest half marathon and secured a new record. Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track. However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches? Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach. Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years. She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives. Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient. Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish. She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer. "With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked. Richard Gallimore Richard Gallimore has been using AI for his workout and nutrition, and states he has never been stronger. Remarkable Fitness Improvements Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg. Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event. "I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said. The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts. "I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships. Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced. According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London. Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert one professional believes artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Personal Element Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers. 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. "In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated. "I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added. The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective. But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded. In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.