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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application 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 noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, 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 employ technology.

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

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said true dedication 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 early morning before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.