🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest 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 said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

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

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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