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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

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

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches 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 will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.