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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.