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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

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

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, 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 employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.