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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

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

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