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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday 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 AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave 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 regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.