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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.