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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application 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.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

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 a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

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

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person 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 gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.