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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate 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 appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

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

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up 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 said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.