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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool 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 said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment 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 7am before work," he added.

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