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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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