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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – 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 inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

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

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want 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.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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