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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

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

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

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.