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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan 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 Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

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

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

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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