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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

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

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported 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 forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

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

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees 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 want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

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

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

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.