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A runner

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

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed 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 freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program 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 said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.