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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling 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 Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

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

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

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

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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