🔗 Share this article I successfully Exchanged My Own Personal Trainer for AI – And It's Working. Leah Walsh Leah used AI to train for her latest half marathon and achieved a personal best. Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track. However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers? Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer. Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years. She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives. The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient. The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time. She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor. "Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added. Richard Gallimore Richard Gallimore has been leveraging AI for his fitness and diet plans, and states he has never been stronger. Remarkable Strength Improvements In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load. He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race. "I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said. The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines. "I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said. The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans. Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced. According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London. Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible. Dafydd Judd Fitness expert Dafydd Judd believes AI will cannot replicate the human connection that comes from face-to-face coaching. The Essential Human Element Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers. The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology. "I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said. "I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued. Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient. But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions. "As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added. For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.