🔗 Share this article I Swapped My Own Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Working. A runner Leah used AI to train for her latest half marathon and achieved a new record. After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track. However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches? Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer. She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024. She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives. Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical. Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish. She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer. "With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked. A weightlifter He has been leveraging AI for his workout and nutrition, and states he feels stronger than ever. Remarkable Strength Improvements Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg. He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race. "I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said. This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts. "I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added. The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans. Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced. Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital. Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer Dafydd Judd believes artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Human Touch Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility 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 mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI. "In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said. "I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added. Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient. However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions. "No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded. For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.