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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

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

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished 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 find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing 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 bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.