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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative 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.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on 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.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

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

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.