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Leah Walsh

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

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, 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 noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.