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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

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

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.