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Leah Walsh

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

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

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

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed 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 added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.