🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.