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A runner

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

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.