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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

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

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability 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 clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.