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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.