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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said 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 goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.