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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

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, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

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

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

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

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable 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.