🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

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

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire 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 coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.