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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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