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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, 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 goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

"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

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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