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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, 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. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence 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, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had 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 Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information 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 comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool 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 leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.