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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.