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Leah Walsh

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

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

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

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

The trainer said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful 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 gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.