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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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 suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.