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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider 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 appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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

"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 fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.