🔗 Share this article I successfully Swapped My Personal Trainer for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective. A runner Leah used AI to train for her latest half marathon and achieved a new record. After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum. But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers? Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer. Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024. She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals. Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient. Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish. She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor. "Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked. A weightlifter He has been leveraging artificial intelligence for his workout and nutrition, and says he has never been stronger. Significant Fitness Gains Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg. Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race. "I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented. The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said. The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans. Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced. According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually 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 trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer Dafydd Judd believes artificial intelligence will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from in-person training. The Irreplaceable Personal Element Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides. The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated. "I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added. Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective. However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions. "As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added. For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.