🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

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

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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