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A runner

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

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

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

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.