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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah 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 at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

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

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

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.