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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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 quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, 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 typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful 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 gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.