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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

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

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.