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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt 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 explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"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 suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.