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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application 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 at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

The trainer said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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