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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

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

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

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

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

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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