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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized 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 from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs 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.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.