🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer 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 in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think 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.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.