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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A 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, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.