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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

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 explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

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

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized 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 Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.