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Leah Walsh

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

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

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 goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.