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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation 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 not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

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

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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