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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

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

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

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.