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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using 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.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.