🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working. Leah Walsh Leah employed artificial intelligence to train for her second half marathon and secured a new record. After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track. But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers? Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach. She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024. She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals. The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical. The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time. She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor. "Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added. Richard Gallimore He has been using AI for his workout and nutrition, and states he feels stronger than ever. Significant Fitness Gains Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg. He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race. "I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said. The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts. "I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said. The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans. Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced. According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital. Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Personal trainer one professional believes artificial intelligence will never replace the personal bond that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Personal Touch Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers. This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said. "I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued. The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective. However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training. "As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added. For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.