🔗 Share this article I Exchanged My Fitness Coach for AI – And It's Working. A runner Leah used AI to prepare for her second 21km race and achieved a personal best. Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum. But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers? Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer. Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024. She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals. Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical. Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time. She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer. "Using 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 workout and nutrition, and states he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength 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. Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race. "I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented. The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added. The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans. Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive. According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London. Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert one professional maintains artificial intelligence will never replace the personal bond that comes from in-person training. The Essential Personal Touch Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology. "I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated. "I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued. The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective. However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training. "As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded. For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.