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Leah Walsh

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

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

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

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.