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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.